In 2023, Texas lawmakers pursued dozens of bills affecting the LGBTQ2S+ community, and according to a January report from the Trevor Project, a national LGBTQ youth suicide-prevention organization, 71% of LGBTQ youth said debates over bills affecting how they live negatively impact their mental health, and 86% of transgender youth reported negative mental health effects from such legislation.

Senate Bill 14 effectively banned transgender youth from receiving puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and other medical treatments specifically for the purpose of transitioning, and kids already accessing treatments would have to be “weaned off” in a “medically appropriate” manner, a process that brings both physical discomfort and psychological distress to these trans youth.

GOP lawmakers also wanted to limit classroom instruction, school activities and teacher guidance about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools through Senate Bill 1072, and the lower chamber considered House Bill 1804, which would have allowed the State Board of Education to reject textbooks for students below ninth grade if they include content on sexual orientation, gender identity and sexual activity.

Textbooks also could’ve been rejected for failing to present U.S. history in a positive light or “encourage lifestyles that deviate from generally accepted standards of society” had both bills not died in the House Public Education Committee.

These are among several bills that would not only bring major changes to the lives of LGBTQ2S+ youth, but also target an already marginalized group of people. LBTL’s dedication to helping transform schools into a safe space for children of all identities is unwavering, and we view inclusivity as an imperative point of advocacy in hopes of helping LGBTQ2S+ reignite joy in learning and self-discovery.