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Hey #Changemakers,
The team at The Transgender Education Network of Texas here!  We are the largest trans-led, trans-focused policy-driven organization here in Texas. TENT approaches all of our work through a racial justice lens and with an intersectional approach to ensure we are doing the work with our whole community in mind. We are similar to the Deeds fam in how we do our work by galvanizing the voices of trans Texans throughout the state to make change. We also train thousands of people yearly, from elected officials and medical providers, to schools and businesses. Being one of only a handful of organizations doing this work in the country, we work closely with municipalities and a wide range of allies to create structural change for trans people to be given the respect they deserve here in Texas.     
We know that this year’s legislative session has not been easy, nor has doing this incredibly difficult work in the middle of a pandemic that just seems to be raging on.
Let’s break it down though— what has been happening on our issue?
- The state of Texas filed the most anti-trans bills in any state legislative session, ever.
- Close to 50 bills were filed between the regular and special session attacking LGBTQIA+ Texans.
- Over the last 5+ years, Texas held the #1/#2 spot for the deadliest state for the trans population, with Florida being our competition.
- Our state is also home to the second highest population of trans and gender diverse people in the country, right after California.
Whew!  That was a lot to take in, but what can we do about this as #Changemakers?
We know that transphobia is rooted in racism and misogyny, and when we address and solve these issues, everyone will benefit from the equity to follow. Continuing to fight for issues like reproductive justice and equal access to voting means everyone including trans people will also benefit from those wins. We must continue to recenter the importance of a statewide non-discrimination ordinance so a trans person can’t be fired or lose their housing because they’ve been outed. In addition to this protection, one of our top legislative priorities is to outlaw trans/gay panic, meaning that when someone is attacked or killed the person who has committed that crime cannot use that they did the act based on finding out the person was trans and/or gay.
Lastly, be a good ally to trans people in every space you find yourself in. Start with practicing introducing yourself with your pronouns, ask your professor to ask for pronouns for class intros (just in time for classes starting). Follow us on social media @TransTexas to stay up to date with what’s happening in #TXLege and how to get involved.
Keep up the great work Changemakers!
In Solidarity,
The TENT Team
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