SCOTUS Upholds Anti-Trans Law. We Rise Together.
The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for youth.
At the heart of the U.S. v. Skrmetti case, a critical constitutional question was posed: Can a state ban gender-affirming care for minors without violating equal protection guarantees?
This morning, our community learned that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against protecting trans youth, failing to safeguard a family's freedom to access healthcare.
What does this mean for our community? For now, South Carolina's ban on gender-affirming care remains in place.
This is a devastating loss for South Carolina. For transgender youth, their families, and their doctors, this ruling greenlights continued discrimination and political control over medical decisions. It continues to uproot communities as we watch our neighbors relocate to access better healthcare for their children.
But this is not the end. Our community is no stranger to uphill battles; we've successfully organized for decades to fight back against attacks on our freedom. AFFA Action and our partners will continue the fight for trans youth and their families to live free from harmful legislation.
We will continue to urge the courts to account for all legal arguments and strike down our state ban for what it is – a discriminatory government overreach into the private healthcare decisions of youth and their families.
Today, we grieve. Tomorrow, we regroup.
We stand firm that a majority of Americans believe transgender people should have the freedom to be themselves and live their lives. We find support in the knowledge that whenever a powerful few have tried to pick and choose who counts, there have always been more of us who have shown up for one another to build welcoming, safe, and proud communities.
AFFA Action and our community partners remain committed to organizing, speaking out, and demanding justice for LGBTQ+ youth in South Carolina.
We hope you’ll stand with us, too.
Give today and help AFFA Action continue to build a South Carolina where everyone has the right to live with equal rights.
INVEST NOW IN OUR ORGANIZING WORK
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
Equality Brief: Edition 8
Your Bi-Weekly Update on Advocacy, Policy, and Action
Hey y’all! What a week. South Carolina’s legislative session is finally over, and we’re here with receipts, reminders, and a little righteous rage (all love, of course).
May 8th marked the official end of this year’s legislative session, and what a ride it’s been! If you’re tired? Same. If you’re cautiously proud? Also, same.
This session was dripping with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. Lawmakers came for trans youth, for gender-affirming care, for our right to live openly in school settings.
Some days, it felt as if they were attempting to legislate us out of existence.
Fueled by national narratives, SC legislators filed a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills, most of which never even left committee. Not because they changed their minds, but because you didn’t.
You flooded inboxes. You testified. You packed rooms. You showed up with clipboards, comment cards, and coffee. When there wasn’t room to speak, it was because too many of us showed up to be heard. That’s collective power.
Bills stalled out this year. Not by accident, by strategy. That’s a win. That's our win.
On May 20th, Columbia City Council tried to quietly fast-track a repeal of its 2021 ban on conversion therapy for minors. Instead, y’all packed the chamber so full they had to open an overflow room. Twenty people testified, reminding council that this ordinance saves lives.
Council voted 7-0 to defer the repeal vote until after the state budget is finalized. That’s not a finite win yet, but it’s an important pause. And we’ll take that over a rollback any day.
Now it's back.
The repeal of the conversion therapy ban is officially on the agenda for a special council meeting this Tuesday, May 27th. You can view the meeting agenda here.
Our partners at Harriet Hancock Center and ACLU-SC have been working behind the scenes to coordinate, and this time we’re ready.
ACTION ALERT
Attend the Columbia City Council Special Meeting on Tuesday, May 27th at 3pm.
Pack the room. Bring your people. Let council know: Columbia stands with queer and trans youth—and we are not backing down.
Let’s cut to the chase: the new state budget is a host of wins and losses.
The bad news first. Proviso 113.10 made it into the final budget. It’s a dangerous move aimed at defunding cities - like Columbia - that have ordinances banning conversion therapy. In other words, the state is threatening to punish local governments for protecting LGBTQ+ youth. It’s petty. It’s harmful. And it’s exactly the kind of overreach we’ve come to expect.
Even worse? Rep. Bruce Bannister has reported that someone from the City of Columbia actually asked state legislators to keep the proviso in place to pressure City Council into repealing the ban. If true, that means we have some work to do in Columbia.
ACTION ALERT
Call your Columbia City Council members. Tell them loud and clear: Stand firm. Keep the ban on conversion therapy. Our kids are watching.
Here’s a glimmer of hope: Proviso 117.209—the one pushing the harmful “only two sexes” language in state agencies and universities—was thrown out. Rep. Leon Stavrinakis called a germaneness rule on it, and it was ruled out of order. Technicality? Yes. But also a win we needed.
Unfortunately, our state is taking it's cues from the Federal Government. Congress is now pushing a federal budget that includes sweeping cuts to Medicaid.
The budget includes language that would:
Ban Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming healthcare for all trans people
Exclude transition-related care from being covered under Essential Health Benefits (EHB) in state health plans
Over a quarter-million trans adults in the U.S. are enrolled in Medicaid. This would put their care, and lives, at risk. And we are not okay with that.
ACTION ALERT
Tell your U.S. Senator: VOTE NO on any budget that includes these discriminatory provisions.
Partner Shout Out! Huge thanks to our friends at A4TE (Advocates for Trans Equality) for sounding the alarm on this and working around the clock to get us organized. We see you.
All eyes are on the Supreme Court as we await a decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti, the most significant trans rights case to reach SCOTUS in years. Oral arguments were heard on December 4, 2024, and a ruling is expected this June.
So, what’s at stake?
This case challenges Tennessee’s law banning gender-affirming care for anyone under 18. Brought forward by the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and families including Samantha and Brian Williams and their 15-year-old daughter, the case is about more than just one state; it’s about whether extremist lawmakers can override parents, doctors, and the entire mainstream medical community to score political points at the expense of trans kids’ lives.
Tennessee’s law doesn’t just ban care moving forward - it forces trans youth already receiving care to stop, putting their mental and physical health directly at risk. It even gives people the right to sue doctors who provide medically necessary care.
“I want this law to be struck down so that I can continue to receive the care I need, in conversation with my parents and my doctors, and have the freedom to live my life and do the things I enjoy." - Samantha and Brian Williams’ daughter
This isn’t just a Tennessee problem. A bad ruling in Skrmetti opens the door for similar bans across the country, including right here in South Carolina. Make no mistake, we're mobilizing.
We’ve said it before; advocacy is not a sprint - it’s a group marathon with detours and stale snacks. But we're all still here, together.
So, use the next few months to take a breath. Take a nap. Take your joy seriously. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and we’re gonna need a refill.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
Call your South Carolina State Senator and tell them to strike Proviso 113.10 from the state budget.
Live in Columbia? Call your city council member and tell them to vote NO on repealing Ordinance 2021-021.
Show up on Tuesday, May 27th at Columbia City Hall. You don’t need a speech - just bring your presence.
Call your U.S. Senator and tell them trans healthcare is non-negotiable.
Keep an eye out for updates on U.S. v. Skrmetti, especially action alerts.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you’re not the last to know when things heat back up.
Equality Brief: Edition 7
The Fight Isn’t Over - But We Celebrate Today
Yesterday, May 8, marked the final day of South Carolina’s legislative session.
This year, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric was louder than ever. We watched as lawmakers introduced bills targeting trans youth, restricting access to affirming healthcare, limiting our rights in schools, and attempting to erase queer and trans people from public life.
Some of those bills didn’t move forward. Others fizzled out behind closed doors. Others never made it to a hearing. That’s not because the danger is gone or because lawmakers forgot - it’s because you didn’t.
You showed up. You emailed. You testified. You shared. You rallied your friends and neighbors. And when hundreds, even thousands of us take action, lawmakers are forced to take notice - even if they don’t say it out loud.
If you didn’t get the chance to testify, that’s not a sign you were left out. It’s a sign that so many people were standing up with you that there simply wasn’t time. That’s what collective power looks like. That’s what solidarity feels like.
This year, bills stalled because of the pressure we applied together. That’s not just avoidance. That’s strategy. That’s a win.
And sometimes, when a fight ends quietly, it deserves the loudest celebration of all.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t truly the end. Budget items can carry over and be acted on even after session ends. Lawmakers have already made it clear that they plan to bring many of these same issues - and some new ones - back next year. The off-season isn’t a break from advocacy. It’s when coalitions are built, strategies are shaped, and momentum is grown.
So yes - celebrate today. Take pride in what we held back. Rest in the power of what we achieved together.
And then, we regroup. Because the next fight is already forming.
Thank you for being with us this session. Thank you for your energy, your advocacy, and your hope. We’re not done - and we’re stronger than ever.
Onward. Together.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
Equality Brief: Edition 6
Welcome back to The Equality Brief
Welcome back to The Equality Brief, AFFA’s regular update bringing you the latest in LGBTQ+ policy, advocacy, and community news across South Carolina. As legislative threats continue to mount, we remain committed to keeping you informed and equipped to take action.
New Attacks on LGBTQ+ Youth and Local Governance
In just the past 24 hours, South Carolina’s LGBTQ+ community has been dealt two serious blows. Attorney General Alan Wilson sent a letter to Columbia City Council urging them to repeal their ordinance banning conversion therapy for minors—an ordinance designed to protect youth from a practice widely condemned by major medical and mental health organizations. This move directly undermines local efforts to create safer, healthier communities for queer youth. You can read the letter here.
In tandem with this, a new budget amendment was introduced at the state level that would penalize municipalities like Columbia for passing these protections. Under this amendment, cities could face the loss or clawback of critical state funds simply for choosing to protect their residents. This is both an attack on LGBTQ+ youth and an attempt to strip local governments of their power to act in the public’s interest.
We're closely monitoring these developments, and we’ll share action items as more details emerge.
H.3927 on Hold—But Not Gone
H.3927, the anti-DEI bill that passed the House earlier this session, has not yet moved out of committee in the South Carolina Senate. While this delay is encouraging, the bill remains a serious threat. If advanced, it would dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across schools, colleges, and state agencies—restricting training, programming, and even public discussion of race, gender, and LGBTQ+ identities.
There’s still time to speak up. Tell your senators to reject this harmful bill.
Senate Votes to Remove State Treasurer Curtis Loftis
In a historic move, the South Carolina Senate voted 33–8 to remove State Treasurer Curtis Loftis from office following the discovery of a $1.8 billion accounting error. The discrepancy, which went unreported for years, stemmed from unbalanced entries during a system transition and was uncovered by forensic accountants. Loftis is accused of neglecting his duties and failing to inform lawmakers of the issue. He denies wrongdoing. The matter now goes to the House, which must approve the removal by a two-thirds vote. If that happens, it will mark the first time in state history that a public official has been removed through this process.
The Finish Line is in Sight
With just a few weeks left in the 2025 legislative session, we’re entering the final push. A lot can still happen—both good and bad—and every call, email, and public statement continues to make a difference. If you’re feeling exhausted, know that you’re not alone. The pace has been intense, but our community is still showing up, and that matters. Hang on—we’re almost there.
Stay Connected
Be informed – Follow AFFA and our advocacy partners for the latest updates.
Take action – Call your representatives, attend advocacy events, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
Support one another – Check in with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Get involved – Volunteer with AFFA, donate, and be a part of the movement.
A Final Note
In moments like these—when LGBTQ+ protections are under threat and basic rights are up for debate—your voice and your presence matter more than ever. We’ll keep you informed, and we’ll continue to show up together.
Take care of yourself, stay connected, and remember:
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
Equality Brief: Edition 5
Welcome back to The Equality Brief
Welcome! The Equality Brief is your go-to source for updates on LGBTQ+ advocacy in South Carolina. This week, we’re sharing a powerful interview with AFFA’s leadership and continuing the fight against censorship and anti-equity legislation.
Action Alert: Oppose H.3927 – Now in the Senate
Last week, H.3927 - officially titled the “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity Act” - passed the South Carolina House 82 to 32 and now moves to the Senate.
This anti-DEI bill would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across public schools, colleges, and state agencies. It bans public institutions from maintaining DEI offices, staff, or training, and would restrict conversations about race, gender, sexual orientation, and systemic inequity—even in educational settings.
A last-minute amendment brought the bill back to its most extreme version, aligning it with federal Executive Order 14173 and adding language to prevent state agencies from working with companies or organizations that have DEI policies. The bill passed without a fiscal impact statement.
Take action now: Write a letter to South Carolina Senators urging them to reject H.3927. Let’s push back on this dangerous legislation before it advances any further.
Book Ban Pushback: A Pause, But Not a Win
Last week, South Carolina nearly became the top state in the nation for banned books. Ten more titles were slated for removal under Regulation 43-170, which bans any content describing sexual conduct from all K–12 classrooms and libraries.
After significant public backlash, the State Board of Education paused the bans and signaled interest in revisiting the policy. This is a critical moment to push for meaningful change.
Contact the State Board of Education here.
New Bills Targeting Trans South Carolinians
With only five weeks left in the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers are rushing to file bills that preview what may come in 2026. Among them are:
Senate Bill 540, which aims to protect so-called “conversion therapy” practices by shielding parents and guardians from legal consequences for seeking such harmful services.
House Bill 4302, which would require foster youth to be housed based strictly on the sex listed on their original birth certificate.
These bills continue a pattern of anti-trans legislation. Neither has been scheduled for a committee hearing yet - but we’re watching closely.
More information and action items will follow in upcoming updates.
Leadership in Focus: Colleen Condon on Visibility and Advocacy
AFFA Action Board Member, Colleen Condon, recently sat down for an interview with The Letterhack to discuss what visibility, community, and advocacy mean in today’s political climate. Their reflections underscore the importance of showing up - for ourselves and each other - especially when our rights are under attack. You can watch the excerpt of the recent live stream here.
Stay Connected
Be informed – Follow AFFA and our advocacy partners for the latest updates.
Take action – Call your representatives, attend advocacy events, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
Support one another – Check in with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Get involved – Volunteer with AFFA, donate, and be a part of the movement.
A Final Note
In every conversation, every action, and every policy fight, we are reminded that this work is bigger than any one person or issue. It’s about building a state that reflects and protects all of us. Whether you're volunteering, testifying, or staying informed, thank you for being part of this work.
Let’s keep going - and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
Equality Brief: Edition 4
Welcome back to The Equality Brief
Welcome! The Equality Brief informs you on the latest policy updates, advocacy efforts, and ways to get involved. This week, we’re covering South Carolina’s proposed total abortion ban, recapping two powerful advocacy events, and looking ahead.
Advocacy 201: Power Mapping
Looking to sharpen your advocacy skills? Join us for Advocacy 201: Power Mapping on April 5 from 10 AM to 12 PM in North Charleston at Venture X in the Angel Oak Studio. This hands-on workshop will help you identify key players, analyze power dynamics, and develop more effective strategies for change. You can register for the event here.
Press Conference Opposing Anti-DEI Bill
On March 26, the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus held a press conference in opposition to H. 3927, an anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion bill that threatens DEI initiatives across state institutions. Speakers included SC Legislative Black Caucus Chair Rep. Annie E. McDaniel, Rep. John King, a USC professor, and a USC student, all voicing concerns about the bill’s harmful impact.
We’ll continue to monitor this bill and keep you updated on ways to take action.
ACLU Sues Greenville County Library System Over Book Bans
The ACLU and ACLU of South Carolina have filed a lawsuit against the Greenville County Library System for systematically removing books by and about LGBTQ+ people from its collection. This case highlights the growing threat of censorship in South Carolina and beyond. We stand with the ACLU in fighting for every person’s right to access diverse and representative literature. You can read more about the lawsuit here.
Trans Day of Visibility – We Want to Honor You!
March 31 is Trans Day of Visibility, a time to recognize and uplift the resilience, achievements, and voices of trans people in our community. This year, we want to highlight trans South Carolinians—whether it’s you or someone you know.
If you’d like to be featured (or want to nominate a friend), send us a short bio and photo to jensen@affa-sc.org. Let’s make sure trans voices are seen and celebrated!
Stay Connected
Be informed – Follow AFFA and our advocacy partners for the latest updates.
Take action – Call your representatives, attend advocacy events, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
Support one another – Check in with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Get involved – Volunteer with AFFA, donate, and be a part of the movement.
A Final Note
The fight for equality is ongoing, but so is the strength of our community. Every event, every action, and every voice makes a difference. Thank you for showing up, speaking out, and standing together. Let’s keep the momentum going—there’s still work to do, and we’re in it together.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
Equality Brief: Edition 3
Welcome back to The Equality Brief
Welcome! The Equality Brief informs you on the latest policy updates, advocacy efforts, and ways to get involved. This week, we’re covering South Carolina’s proposed total abortion ban, recapping two powerful advocacy events, and looking ahead.
Two Committee Hearings on Tuesday in Columbia
Total Abortion Ban
H 3457 is a total abortion ban that threatens reproductive rights and access to healthcare in South Carolina. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th, at 9:00 AM in the Blatt Building, Room 110, and it’s critical that we stay informed and take action.
Our partners at WREN have compiled key details on what’s happening and how you can get involved. Read more here.
DEI Ban
The South Carolina House Education and Public Works Committee will consider H 3927 in a hearing in the afternoon on Tuesday, March 4, in the Blatt Building, Room 110. This bill would ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state agencies, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions.
Public testimony will be allowed at the hearing, and written testimony can be submitted to laurennelsonsheorn@schouse.gov by March 2 at 12:00 PM. You can view the agenda for the hearing here.
Advocacy 101: Recap & Resources
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Advocacy 101! We had an incredible turnout and great conversations on how to be an effective advocate. If you missed it or want to revisit key points, check out these resources:
Read the summary of key takeaways
Go over the provided handouts
View the slideshow presentation
Part of the training included showing Phil Ford’s testimony at the State House during the "Don't Say Gay" bill fight. What a great example of how our personal stories are often our most powerful advocacy tool! (Trigger Warning: mention of self-harm)
Your Rights, Your Power: Watch the Recording
Our virtual event with ACLU of SC, Your Rights, Your Power, was a critical discussion on the impact of recent executive orders on LGBTQ+ rights, legal protections, and how to advocate for yourself and your community. If you couldn’t attend live, you can still access the materials:
Watch the recording on our YouTube channel
View the presentation slides
Access the resources mentioned
AFFA's Spring Gala - Tickets Are Going Fast!
The 2025 AFFA Gala is just around the corner, and tickets are selling quickly! Don’t miss your chance to join us on March 15 at Festival Hall for an unforgettable night of celebration, community, and impact. With a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing, it’s an event you won’t want to miss! Get your tickets now before they’re gone!
Stay Connected
Be informed – Follow AFFA and our advocacy partners for the latest updates.
Take action – Call your representatives, attend advocacy events, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
Support one another – Check in with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Get involved – Volunteer with AFFA, donate, and be a part of the movement.
A Final Note
Our recent events have reminded us how powerful and necessary community is. Advocacy can be exhausting, but we don’t have to do it alone. Let’s continue showing up for one another, sharing space, and lifting each other up.
Take care of yourselves—rest when you need to, set boundaries, and ask for help when you need it. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
Equality Brief: Edition 2
It all begins with an idea.
Welcome back to The Equality Brief
Your bi-weekly update on the policies, events, and actions shaping the fight for equality in South Carolina. This newsletter keeps you informed on legislative developments, AFFA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, and ways you can get involved. With major challenges ahead, staying engaged is more important than ever - read on for the latest updates and opportunities to take action.
Legislative Update: Bill S240 – We live to fight another day!
Over 70 people (pictured above) showed up at the State House yesterday for the subcommittee hearing for S 240, the legislature's latest attempt to restrict trans rights. The subcommittee ran out of time and the bill was not introduced. Our amazing allies on the subcommittee, Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine and Sen. Russell Ott did their part by asking lots of questions on the first two bills on the agenda, effectively running out the clock during the meeting. As a result, the hearing has been delayed for at least another week, and a new hearing date has not yet been set. Stay tuned for more details when they become available!
This delay gives us more time to mobilize. Now is the time to act - tell your legislators to oppose this harmful bill.
Legal Victory: Federal Judge Blocks Ban on Transgender Youth Medical Care
In a critical win for trans rights, a federal judge has blocked the enforcement of a Trump administration executive order that sought to restrict gender-affirming medical care for trans folks under the age of 19. The order, issued on January 28, aimed to withhold federal funding from healthcare providers offering puberty blockers and hormone therapy to minors.
This ruling temporarily restores access to these essential medical treatments while legal challenges proceed. This case highlights the ongoing fight to protect healthcare access for transgender individuals, and we will continue to monitor developments. Read more from the ACLU here.
Trump Administration Erases “Transgender” from Stonewall Monument Page
The National Park Service (NPS) has removed the word “transgender” and altered the LGBTQ+ acronym on the Stonewall National Monument’s webpage, first reducing it to “LGBQ+” and later to just “LGB.” These edits erase the crucial role trans and gender-nonconforming people played in the Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history.
The Stonewall Inn and its nonprofit initiative condemned the changes as “a deliberate attempt to erase our history.” This follows Trump’s executive orders targeting trans visibility, which have led to similar removals from multiple federal websites. Advocates are calling for the immediate restoration of the original language. Read more at Them.
Get Involved: Become a Legal Observer
ACLU South Carolina’s Legal Observer Program is critical in ensuring the right to protest is upheld. If you want to be trained as a legal observer, you can sign up here.
If your organization is hosting an event and would like to request a legal observer’s presence, use this form.
Take Action: Upcoming Events
Advocacy 101 – February 22, 2025, 10:00 AM (Charleston, SC)
Your Rights, Your Power – Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, 6:00 PM (Virtual)
Stay Connected
Be informed – Follow AFFA and our advocacy partners for the latest updates.
Take action – Call your representatives, attend advocacy events, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
Support one another – Check in with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Get involved – Volunteer with AFFA, donate, and be a part of the movement.
A Final Note
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us here at AFFA. We recognize that love - whether for our partners, friends, families, or communities - is a driving force in our work. AFFA remains committed to building a future where everyone’s love and identity are valued and protected.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
Equality Brief: Edition 1
It all begins with an idea.
Welcome to The Equality Brief!
We're excited to launch this bi-weekly newsletter to keep you informed about policy changes, AFFA and AFFA Action updates, and ways to take action. These are challenging times, but knowledge is power—and together, we’ll keep fighting for equality and justice.
A Message from Our Executive Director, Chase Glenn:
The Road Ahead: Challenges & Community Support
As expected, the Trump administration has already issued a series of harmful executive orders, including those targeting LGBTQ+ rights. We know this news is unsettling. Many in our community are feeling anxious about what comes next. We want you to know: you are not alone.
While some policies are shifting at the federal level, some protections remain in place. AFFA will continue to monitor, advocate, and provide resources to keep you informed.
What’s Changing?
Recent executive orders (EOs) and their impact:
EO1: Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Programs are being dismantled, and some benefits, including gender-affirming care, are under threat.
Agencies must take action within 60 days from publication (1/20/2025).
EO2: "Sex" and "gender" redefined:
Impacts transgender, non-binary, and intersex people.
Directs the government to stop providing federal ID documents that reflect trans people’s gender.
Endangers trans people in federal custody by denying gender-affirming care and requiring housing assignments to be based on sex assigned at birth. [Lawsuit filed.]
The current recommendation from AFFA and similar organizations is that, if possible, passport renewals or applications with changing and/or “x” gender markers should be postponed.
Effective immediately from publication (1/20/2025).
EO3: Trans military ban:
New policies could impact trans individuals ability to serve in the military. [Lawsuit filed.]
Report is due on how to implement the order within 30 days of publication (1/27/2025).
EO4: Gender-affirming care ban for trans people under the age of 19:
Could bar coverage for trans youth under federal health insurance plans (including TRICARE and federal employee health plans).
Would hold research and education grants hostage for major medical schools, research hospitals, and teaching hospitals, effectively coercing them into ceasing gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Could hold Medicaid funding from providers or hospital systems that offer this care.
Tips of hospitals across the country “pre-complying” with this order out of fear of retribution.
Report is due on implementation 60 days from publication (1/28/2025).
EO5: Education
Attempts to rescind federal funding from elementary and secondary schools that promote “gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology”.
Could impact pronoun usage, bathroom access and sports participation if implemented.
Report is due on implementation within 90 days from publication (1/29/2025).
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Memo
Impacts bathroom access for trans, nonbinary and intersex individuals at federal agencies.
Cancels training and programs that mention “gender ideology”.
Dissolves all LGBTQ+ affinity groups for federal employees.
Published 1/24/2025.
We are closely watching potential future changes, including new anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and further restrictions on gender-affirming care.
What Has NOT Changed?
Executive orders are not laws—many will be challenged in court.
LGBTQ+ people have always been here, and we will always be here.
Marriage equality and workplace protections under Supreme Court rulings still stand.
Take Action: Upcoming Events
Advocacy 101 – February 22, 2025, 10:00 AM (Charleston, SC)
Your Rights, Your Power – Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, 6:00 PM (Virtual)
What Can You Do?
Stay informed – Follow AFFA and our advocacy partners for the latest updates.
Take action – Call your representatives, attend advocacy events, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
Support one another – Check in with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Get involved – Volunteer with AFFA, donate, and be a part of the movement.
This is a moment to come together, support each other, and push back against harmful policies. We will continue to provide guidance, advocacy, and resources—because we’ve got this, and we’ve got us.
Stay tuned for the next edition of The Equality Brief! Until then, follow us on social media or visit our website for real-time updates.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team