Latest news with #TransLegislationTracker
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Antagonism to transgender rights is tied to the authoritarian desire for social conformity – not just partisan affiliation
Since becoming president, Donald Trump has aggressively sought to fulfill his campaign promise to reverse the Biden administration's protection of transgender Americans. His administration decreed that the federal government will recognize only two genders and banned transgender Americans from serving in the military. Trump has also restricted federal funds for hospitals that perform gender-affirming care. Trump is not alone in attacking the rights of transgender Americans. In 2025, 53 bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress and over 900 bills have been introduced in 49 states that aim to limit the rights of transgender Americans in education, health care and athletics, according to the Trans Legislation Tracker. While legal and ethical questions remain about these efforts, restricting the rights of transgender Americans seems to enjoy support among a majority of Americans. For example, support for restricting the ability of medical professionals from providing gender-affirming care to minors has risen from 46% in 2022 to 56% in 2025, according to the Pew Research Center. We wanted to know what factors contribute to majority support among Americans for these measures. We found that authoritarian attitudes – the desire for social conformity and an aversion to difference – play an important role in Americans' willingness to restrict transgender rights. A number of civil rights organizations, pro-democracy think tanks and scholars have recently argued that executive and legislative efforts to limit the rights of transgender Americans reflect a larger authoritarian turn in the nation's politics. Here, we refer to authoritarianism not as a type of political system or the characteristics of a leader, but rather as a person's preference for social conformity and desire to suppress social difference. According to this perspective, the attack on transgender rights is intended to appeal to Americans with authoritarian inclinations. As seen in authoritarian regimes such as Russia and Turkey, political leaders first mobilize their citizens on the basis of their desire to suppress transgender individuals in order to advance a broader movement to undermine democracy and restrict the rights of other groups that fail to conform to majority values. While this perspective is quickly gaining media coverage, there hasn't yet been hard evidence that authoritarians are particularly supportive of anti-trans legislation. Our goal was to assess the link between authoritarian attitudes and support for measures that restrict transgender rights. We are political scientists who study the role of authoritarianism in American politics and who field polls that explore Americans' views on a number of pressing issues. In April 2025, we fielded a nationally representative survey of 1,000 American adults, asking about their perceptions of the first months of the second Trump presidency, their views toward various groups in society, and their policy preferences. We also asked them for their views about restrictions on the provision of gender-affirming care to transgender Americans. Here's how we analyzed and interpreted their responses. Authoritarianism is defined by public opinion scholars as an individual's predisposition toward conformity, obedience and uniformity and an aversion to diversity, difference and individual autonomy. To measure authoritarianism, scholars use a scale that asks respondents to express their preferences for a range of child-rearing practices. The scale asks whether a respondent tends to prefer children who are obedient, well behaved and well mannered or children who are independent, creative and considerate. Those who tend to favor obedient children are scored as having more authoritarian views. Child-rearing preferences seem to be unrelated to attitudes about conformity in society. But there is good reason to believe that an adult who prefers conformity, obedience and uniformity in children also desires the same in society at large. Political psychologists have used this scale to help explain Americans' support for the war on terrorism, their racial attitudes, views on gender equality and immigration attitudes. This work consistently shows that individuals who are less authoritarian are more likely to support policies that recognize diverse views. Those who rank high on authoritarianism prefer policies that highlight social unity and conformity. Thus, we expected that Americans with more authoritarian attitudes would more strongly support state laws that seek to restrict transgender Americans' access to gender-affirming care. We find evidence that this is indeed the case. In line with other polling on this issue, our survey found that a little over one-third of Americans – 36% – express support for legislation that would make providing gender-affirming medical care to transgender youth a crime. Among the remaining respondents, 38% expressed opposition, and 26% expressed ambivalence toward this proposal. We looked at support for banning gender-affirming care by level of authoritarianism. We found clear differences between the most and least authoritarian Americans. Among those who score highest on the authoritarian scale, 46% express support for this ban, with 18% in opposition. The remaining 36% responded 'neither support nor oppose' this ban. Examining the views of Americans who exhibit the least authoritarian views, we find that while 21% support these bans, 61% oppose them and 18% expressed an ambivalent view. Authoritarianism remains an important contributor to Americans' support for a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, even after we take into account other considerations that influence this attitude. Republican partisanship, conservative ideology and religiosity all increase support for a ban on gender-affirming care. After accounting for these factors, as well as for characteristics such as education, income, age and knowing a transgender person, more authoritarian people are still more likely to support the ban. Many state legislatures and the U.S. Congress are considering legislation to restrict the rights of transgender Americans. The findings from our survey suggest that while partisanship, ideology and religiosity all play key roles in explaining the popularity of these policies, a missing piece of the puzzle is authoritarianism. Given their aversion to diversity and difference and their preference for the status quo, Americans with authoritarian inclinations likely believe that transgender people pose a threat to the social order. Thus, they are more likely than Americans low in authoritarianism to support policies that seek to restrict transgender rights in order to restore social conformity. It's not clear whether the passage of anti-transgender policies alone will lead the nation to turn away from a largely diverse and open democracy toward a more closed and intolerant society. But the fight over transgender rights is not a sideshow in American politics. Instead, it is one of the first of many battles over diversity and difference that will determine the nation's political future. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Tatishe Nteta, UMass Amherst; Adam Eichen, UMass Amherst; Jesse Rhodes, UMass Amherst, and Lane Cuthbert, UMass Amherst Read more: Our trans health study was terminated by the government – the effects of abrupt NIH grant cuts ripple across science and society Anti-trans measures don't just target transgender men and women – a sociologist explains how 'male' or 'female' categories miss the mark for nonbinary Americans Autocracies that look like democracies are a threat across the globe Jesse Rhodes has received funding from the National Science Foundation, the Demos Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation. He is a member of the American Civil Liberties Union. Adam Eichen, Lane Cuthbert, and Tatishe Nteta do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Best Support, Community, and Advocacy Resources for Trans People in America
Welcome to Love Transcends, a special project by Cosmopolitan that celebrates the resilience, wisdom, hope, and joy of the trans community as its members navigate romantic love. Through in-depth interviews and personal essays, trans people share what it's like to date, hook up, break up, and fall in and hold onto love in the midst of sweeping anti-trans legislation and attacks on personal safeties and freedoms of expression. Click here to see the entire collection. Hearst Owned Since January, the current U.S. presidential administration has overseen a wave of anti-LGBTQIA+ executive orders erasing federal recognition of gender identity; restricting access to gender-affirming care; gutting protections in education, health care, and public accommodations; and banning transgender people from the military—to name a few. All of which can make life for trans folks in America feel more precarious than ever. But help does exist for those in need—or for those just feeling uncertain and alone—in the form of groups working tirelessly to safeguard transgender rights and freedoms. Keep reading for a Cosmopolitan- and GLAAD-vetted list of places to get crucial health services, information on legal aid, and access to online and in-person communities. (And even if you're not trans yourself, you can still be a powerful ally by volunteering, donating, signing up for newsletters, and supporting these organizations in countless other ways.) GLAAD GLAAD is a nonprofit that works to ensure accurate and inclusive representation of LGBTQIA+ people in media and culture. The organization consults with entertainment studios and news outlets (including Cosmopolitan), runs public outreach and engagement campaigns, and elevates LGBTQIA+ voices through storytelling and advocacy. They're a major source for comprehensive data and media analysis, as well as tools that track LGBTQIA+ legislation. They also host events, award shows, and more. Trans Legislation Tracker The Trans Legislation Tracker monitors and documents anti-transgender legislation at all levels of the U.S. government. Want to know if your state bans transgender people from accessing health care? Or whether it allows trans students to participate in sports? Click here to check. The site also provides data and tools to help you understand (and engage with) proposed and passed bills. Transgender Law Center The biggest trans-led organization in the country, the Transgender Law Center advocates for the rights and self-determination of transgender and gender nonconforming people. It empowers communities under attack—including BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ individuals—through leadership programs and advocacy. It can also provide legal aid, in some cases representing trans people in lawsuits related to employment, health care, immigration, and more. Advocates for Trans Equality This trans-led nonprofit is dedicated to advancing transgender rights through government advocacy, legal services, voter engagement, and community organizing. In addition to working with policymakers to draft laws that protect the trans community, the organization also offers individual support—it can assist people with updating legal documents and provides legal services for name changes. Trans Lifeline (877) 565-8860 This trans-led hotline offers personalized emotional and financial support to members of the community. It has trained hundreds of operators and answered hundreds of thousands of calls from trans people seeking resources, crisis assistance, and more. Translatable Founded by Dwyane Wade and his daughter Zaya, Translatable is an online community created to spark meaningful conversations between trans youth and their families. Its mission is to foster understanding, celebrate self-expression, and strengthen family bonds. You can check out the website or Instagram page to take part in its projects. Here We Are Launched in 2024, Here We Are amplifies the voices of transgender Americans. Through videos and personal narratives, it promotes trans visibility and advocacy, encouraging open and authentic expressions of gender identity across the nation. Watch its videos and explore its stories to learn more about the larger trans community. The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is a mental health and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQIA+ youth. It provides 24/7 counseling services, advocates for protective laws, and conducts research studies to ensure the safety of the LGBTQIA+ community. Visitors can get involved by volunteering as crisis counselors; exploring the resource center for answers to common questions about identity, mental health, and safety; or connecting with peers through TrevorSpace—an online support community for LGBTQIA+ youth. PFLAG PFLAG is a nationwide organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ people and their families. With hundreds of local chapters across the country, PFLAG offers community events, educational workshops, and legislative advocacy for individuals and families seeking connection and support. Human Rights Campaign The Human Rights Campaign—the largest LGBTQIA+ civil rights organization in the country—advocates for equality and justice for LGBTQIA+ people. It mobilizes voters to elect leaders, lobby for inclusive legislation, and work to increase public understanding and visibility of the community. You can join by making monthly donations, signing up for the newsletter, attending events like marches and rallies, and so much more. ACLU The American Civil Liberties Union works to protect people's individual freedoms and advocates for reproductive justice, transgender equality, immigrants, and many other communities. Its legal team challenges many laws restricting gender-affirming medical care, military service, the legal recognition of name and gender marker changes, and more. You can visit its site to sign petitions and send messages to government officials, reach out for legal assistance, and more. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try


Cosmopolitan
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Cosmopolitan
The Best Resources for Trans People in America in 2025
Welcome to Love Transcends, a special project by Cosmopolitan that celebrates the resilience, wisdom, hope, and joy of the trans community as its members navigate romantic love. Through in-depth interviews and personal essays, trans people share what it's like to date, hook up, break up, and fall in and hold onto love in the midst of sweeping anti-trans legislation and attacks on personal safeties and freedoms of expression. Click here to see the entire collection. Since January, the current U.S. presidential administration has overseen a wave of anti-LGBTQIA+ executive orders erasing federal recognition of gender identity; restricting access to gender-affirming care; gutting protections in education, health care, and public accommodations; and banning transgender people from the military—to name a few. All of which can make life for trans folks in America feel more precarious than ever. But help does exist for those in need—or for those just feeling uncertain and alone—in the form of groups working tirelessly to safeguard transgender rights and freedoms. Keep reading for a Cosmopolitan- and GLAAD-vetted list of places to get crucial health services, information on legal aid, and access to online and in-person communities. (And even if you're not trans yourself, you can still be a powerful ally by volunteering, donating, signing up for newsletters, and supporting these organizations in countless other ways.) GLAAD GLAAD is a nonprofit that works to ensure accurate and inclusive representation of LGBTQIA+ people in media and culture. The organization consults with entertainment studios and news outlets (including Cosmopolitan), runs public outreach and engagement campaigns, and elevates LGBTQIA+ voices through storytelling and advocacy. They're a major source for comprehensive data and media analysis, as well as tools that track LGBTQIA+ legislation. They also host events, award shows, and more. Trans Legislation Tracker The Trans Legislation Tracker monitors and documents anti-transgender legislation at all levels of the U.S. government. Want to know if your state bans transgender people from accessing health care? Or whether it allows trans students to participate in sports? Click here to check. The site also provides data and tools to help you understand (and engage with) proposed and passed bills. Transgender Law Center The biggest trans-led organization in the country, the Transgender Law Center advocates for the rights and self-determination of transgender and gender nonconforming people. It empowers communities under attack—including BIPOC, disabled, and HIV+ individuals—through leadership programs and advocacy. It can also provide legal aid, in some cases representing trans people in lawsuits related to employment, health care, immigration, and more. Advocates for Trans Equality This trans-led nonprofit is dedicated to advancing transgender rights through government advocacy, legal services, voter engagement, and community organizing. In addition to working with policymakers to draft laws that protect the trans community, the organization also offers individual support—it can assist people with updating legal documents and provides legal services for name changes. Trans Lifeline (877) 565-8860 This trans-led hotline offers personalized emotional and financial support to members of the community. It has trained hundreds of operators and answered hundreds of thousands of calls from trans people seeking resources, crisis assistance, and more. Translatable Founded by Dwyane Wade and his daughter Zaya, Translatable is an online community created to spark meaningful conversations between trans youth and their families. Its mission is to foster understanding, celebrate self-expression, and strengthen family bonds. You can check out the website or Instagram page to take part in its projects. Here We Are Launched in 2024, Here We Are amplifies the voices of transgender Americans. Through videos and personal narratives, it promotes trans visibility and advocacy, encouraging open and authentic expressions of gender identity across the nation. Watch its videos and explore its stories to learn more about the larger trans community. The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is a mental health and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQIA+ youth. It provides 24/7 counseling services, advocates for protective laws, and conducts research studies to ensure the safety of the LGBTQIA+ community. Visitors can get involved by volunteering as crisis counselors; exploring the resource center for answers to common questions about identity, mental health, and safety; or connecting with peers through TrevorSpace—an online support community for LGBTQIA+ youth. PFLAG PFLAG is a nationwide organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ people and their families. With hundreds of local chapters across the country, PFLAG offers community events, educational workshops, and legislative advocacy for individuals and families seeking connection and support. Human Rights Campaign The Human Rights Campaign—the largest LGBTQIA+ civil rights organization in the country—advocates for equality and justice for LGBTQIA+ people. It mobilizes voters to elect leaders, lobby for inclusive legislation, and work to increase public understanding and visibility of the community. You can join by making monthly donations, signing up for the newsletter, attending events like marches and rallies, and so much more. ACLU The American Civil Liberties Union works to protect people's individual freedoms and advocates for reproductive justice, transgender equality, immigrants, and many other communities. Its legal team challenges many laws restricting gender-affirming medical care, military service, the legal recognition of name and gender marker changes, and more. You can visit its site to sign petitions and send messages to government officials, reach out for legal assistance, and more.


Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Texas Realtors Teach LGBTQ+ People How to 'Flee' to Australia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A real estate group based in Texas is offering to help LGBTQ+ individuals who may be considering emigration amid a wave of state legislation that they call "highly discriminatory" against their rights. Texas Pride Realty Group is offering assistance at Move Abroad Con 2025, a convention in San Antonio where attendees can learn how to relocate to countries with more robust LGBTQ+ protections—like Australia. Why It Matters Transgender rights were a central theme in the 2024 election with Republicans cruising to Election Day victories by focusing on the issue as it relates to women's sports, medical care and children seeking to transition In 2025, Texas lawmakers filed over 120 bills targeting transgender people—the most in the nation—according to the Trans Legislation Tracker. These bills relate to a number of aspects of everyday life, from identification documents to education and to health care access. Newsweek reached to Texas Pride Realty Group and to Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott for comment. Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks at the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks at the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2024, in To Know Abbott has endorsed the legislative approach, stating in his 2025 State of the State address, "The State of Texas recognizes only two genders—male and female." Texas Pride Realty Group markets its "Flee Red States" initiative as a guide for those who feel the need to relocate. "As LGBTQIA+ citizens of the United States many of us feel at risk," reads a statement on their site. "If you feel the need to leave, let us help you sell your property here and connect you with an LGBTQIA or ally agent in a better location of your choice." Australia, where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017 and antidiscrimination laws protect sexual orientation and gender identity, is highlighted as a destination for those seeking legal and social stability. The country's legal framework allows for gender marker changes on official documents, penalizes hate crimes based on gender identity, and supports adoption rights for same-sex couples. The realty group will also be involved at Move Abroad Con 2025, held May 23 to May 25 in San Antonio, offering seminars and resources for Americans seeking to relocate abroad. Texas Pride Realty is one of several participants focusing on the legal and logistic aspects of international migration for LGBTQ+ individuals. They specifically tout Australia's visa offerings, including student and digital nomad visas, and its strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ residents. The timing aligns with rising anxiety in the LGBTQ+ community over the future of federal rights such as same-sex marriage, which was decided by Obergefell v. Hodges, and decriminalized same-sex intimacy, which was decided in Lawrence v. Texas. Both cases have faced threats from some conservatives to pursue reversals at the U.S. Supreme Court. What People Are Saying Texas Pride Realty Group said on its website: "We must have a Plan B if politicians continue to remove and reverse our legal protections. We understand the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. We get who we're protecting. Let us help you if you're ready to move." Shae Gardner, the director of policy and research at LGBT Tech, told Newsweek: "When members of our community begin exploring relocation abroad, it reflects a growing and justified fear that their rights, families, and futures are under threat. At a time when physical and even online spaces that offer LGBTQ+ people connection and comfort are under attack, gatherings like this offer empowerment, community, and a renewed sense of control in an increasingly uncertain world." What Happens Next While most proposed 2025 LGBTQ+ legislation has not yet passed, some has and others are expected to continue advancing to Abbott's desk. "Unless anti-LGBTQ+ legislation slows, we expect this conversation to become even more common," Gardner said. "Attendees and the broader LGBTQ+ community should pair that resilience with caution: as more people make major life decisions like relocation, protecting your personal data and digital footprints must remain a critical part of staying safe."
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Assembly passes bills targeting transgender youth in school and their medical decisions
Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc) speaking during floor debate Thursday. Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner. The Wisconsin State Assembly passed several bills Thursday that target transgender youth in sports, their medical care and decisions on pronouns and names used in school. The bills are part of a national wave of actions targeting transgender people that have been taken since President Donald Trump took office. According to the Trans Legislation Tracker, 796 bills have been introduced across the country in 2025. Hearings on the bills over the last two weeks were emotional and lengthy, lasting over 20 hours, with the vast majority of people testifying against the bills. Republicans dismissed the public feedback, saying the policies are popular. They cited recent surveys, including a Marquette Law School poll that found 71% of U.S. adults favor requiring transgender athletes compete on teams that match the sex they were assigned at birth. It's unlikely the bills will become law as Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed similar bills in the past and vowed to veto any legislation targeting LGBTQ+ youth. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said lawmakers were still pursuing the bills because they provide an opportunity for the public to tell Evers what it thinks. 'At some point you would hope that public pressure would convince Gov. Evers that he has to change his stance,' Vos said. 'We have seen some brave Democrats across the country realize that their party has veered way too far to the left, and then if they want to win elections again, and they want to be on the side of the public, they're going to change their stance.' When asked what he made of the overwhelming opposition to the bills at hearings, Vos referenced a saying by former Wisconsin Gov. Lee Dreyfus that Madison is '30 square miles surrounded by reality.' 'If you look at where the most part of Wisconsin is, I think everywhere there's broad bipartisan support,' Vos said. The area surrounding the Capitol 'is the one place where the majority of people think that it's OK to mutilate your kids. It's OK to have women never win another sporting event. Yes, did they succeed in getting a couple dozen people to come and testify? Yes, they did and to that, they deserve the credit, but the reality is, we had elections. This was an issue.' Since the 2024 elections, some Democrats across the country, including U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have challenged other Democrats' positions on policies related to transgender people. Wisconsin Democrats were mostly united against the bills, giving impassioned speeches about how the bills would do more harm than good and citing testimony delivered at the hearings. Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) said that denying children health care is a 'new low' and accused Republicans of proposing the legislation in order to create a political issue and rile up their own base. 'We are here because the majority party is trying to gain an advantage in the Supreme Court election by bullying kids. We know it. You know it. It's mean-spirited, and it's not helping people of Wisconsin,' Neubauer said. One Democrat, Rep. Russell Goodwin (D-Milwaukee), joined Republicans voting in favor of AB 100, which would ban transgender girls in Wisconsin K-12 schools from participating on teams that reflect their gender identity. AB 102, which would ban transgender women attending UW System schools and Wisconsin technical colleges from participating on women's teams, passed 50-43 along party lines. Goodwin left before voting on that bill or any of the other bills on the calendar. Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc) said the sports bills are needed to fill the 'gaps' left by recent policy updates by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which recently barred transgender girl athletes from competing on teams that don't correspond with their sex at birth. The changes came in reaction to an executive order signed by Trump. The bill was amended to explicitly exclude transgender women from locker rooms and shower areas as well. Dittrich said the bills are about fairness and inclusion for women, saying that a co-ed option for teams is included. 'If you want to play with boys, have at it, there's a co-ed track for you to do that,' Dittrich said. Rep. Angelina Cruz (D-Racine) and Rep. Angela Stroud (D-Ashland) questioned how the legislation would be enforced. 'This bill would inflict harm on girls. This bill is an attack on girls. This bill is about exclusion and not protection. This bill does not contemplate enforcement mechanisms — raising concerns about girls' privacy,' Cruz said. 'It is unclear whether the bill would require them to answer intrusive questions about their bodies or undergo physical exams.' Stroud said it would likely require people to carry documents to avoid harassment and discrimination. She said the bill wouldn't help women as a group. 'One of the reasons we so often celebrate Title IX is because sports have allowed women to defy narrow definitions of acceptable femininity. We could be strong. We could be aggressive. We could be tough. We could be leaders,' Stroud said. 'No woman is benefited by narrowing the definition of what counts as being a real woman.' Several Republicans complained throughout the debate about 'name-calling' and harsh words that were said to them during hearings. 'The only bullying I saw was coming from the trans community,' Dittrich said, adding that she was physically threatened, called a Nazi and had to be escorted to her car from her office. She added that there were 'vile' comments posted about her and her family on social media. AB 103 would require school districts to implement policies that require a parent's written permission for school employees to use names or pronouns different from a student's legal name. There is one exception in the bill for a nickname that is a shortened version of a student's legal first or middle name. The bill passed 50-43 along party lines. Dittrich, the author of the bill, said it is necessary for parents to be included in those decisions. 'We don't want to divide between home and school,' Dittrich said. 'This is meant to heal that.' AB 104 would ban gender-affirming care, including the prescribing of puberty-blocking drugs or gender-affirming surgery, for those under 18. It would also require revocation of a medical provider's license found to be providing the care. It passed 50-43 with Democrats against and Republicans in favor. Republican lawmakers said that the bill is necessary because children often change their minds about things, and shouldn't make medical decisions that cannot be reversed. 'It would be a failure on our part to allow children to make life-altering decisions, decisions that they will have to live with for the rest of their life, even when that choice is made with parental support,' Rep. Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) said. Gender-affirming medical care is often a lengthy, multi-step process. For those under 18, it typically focuses on pubertal suppression or hormone therapy and surgeries are extremely rare for those under 18, according to KFF. Decisions in the process are made with the input of children, their families and health care providers, including mental health providers. Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison) said her office had gotten many calls from people who have concerns about the actions lawmakers are taking, including a Wisconsinite she said was 'afraid that standing up for trans people would result in retaliation to her business.' Hong said the bill is 'deeply shameful' and she was 'embarrassed' to be there as the Assembly passed it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX