TL;DR - The Scorecard is here. See where your legislator stands.
Hi Advocate,
The votes are in. The record is clear. And now, so is the scorecard.
Today, AFFA Action is proud to release the 2026 Equality Tracker — a comprehensive, nonpartisan scorecard assessing every South Carolina legislator's record on LGBTQ+ equality.
This is not about party. It's not about rhetoric. It's about what our leaders actually do when it matters.
Grades are based on:
Votes on pro-equality and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
Bill sponsorships (who authored and championed legislation)
Committee actions (who blocked, who advanced, who stayed silent)
Community engagement (responsiveness + who showed up and who didn't)
The Highlights
The Good:
Several legislators earned A+ grades, champions who didn't just vote right but actively sponsored pro-equality bills and met with our team.
These are the leaders we need to protect, support, and re-elect.
The Bad:
Too many legislators earned F or F- grades, consistently voting against our community and refusing to engage.
These are the lawmakers we need to hold accountable.
The Reality:
Across the state, 73% legislators scored at a C grade or below.
This election cycle could change that percentage. Research your legislators' scores, show up to vote in November, and help us protect LGBTQ+ South Carolinians from harmful legislation at the source.
Help us facilitate Statehouse transparency.
AFFA Action runs on the donations of our generous community members. Join us as a monthly donor and support our ongoing, on-the-ground work at the Statehouse and in local municipalities, including the production of the Equality Tracker.
You donate > Our team fights > Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation stops in its tracks.
TL;DR - Our Work Works
It's here: AFFA Action's 2026 Legislative Session Impact Report
Hi Advocate,
AFFA Action accomplished so much during the last legislative session thanks to the constant support and quick responses of our community. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Out of 70+ anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced — only 1 became law
100% of anti-LGBTQ+ budget provisos defeated
120+ days lobbying at the State House
3 local governments adopted hate crime ordinances — protecting 540,348 South Carolinians
4-for-4 electoral wins in 2025
37,092 rapid-response texts sent during critical legislative moments
Hungry for more hope? Click the button below.
Help us continue the fight.
AFFA Action runs on the donations of our generous community members. Join us as a monthly donor and support our ongoing, on-the-ground work at the Statehouse and in local municipalities.
You donate > Our team fights > Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation stops in its tracks.
Introducing The Quorum: We Need YOU
The South Carolina State House is quiet right now.
AFFA Action is not.
While legislators talk State budget, we're reviewing every bill we tracked during the 2025–2026 legislative session. We're analyzing every vote. And we're preparing our strategy for the mid-term elections, because the races we win this year will determine LGBTQ+ political power in South Carolina for years to come.
That's why we're launching The Quorum.
The Quorum is AFFA Action's monthly giving program. It's how we sustain year-round advocacy — not just when the legislature is in session, but every single day. In every corner of the state.
Here's what your monthly contribution makes possible:
Year-round lobbying — even in recess, even between sessions
Rapid response to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation within hours
Pro-equality candidate support in local, municipal, and state races
Hate crime ordinance advocacy in cities and counties across South Carolina
And here's what we accomplished together last session:
An LGBTQ+ lobbying presence at the State House every single day
Every anti-LGBTQ+ bill tracked and responded to
We stopped all but one of the 70+ harmful legislative actions aimed at our community
Over 34,000 letters sent to legislators through SC United
Full impact report coming soon — shared with Quorum members first.
TL;DR - Senator Kimbrell must resign
Senator Kimbrell must resign and drop out of the governor's race.
Among a slew of other legal troubles, a recent FITSNews report revealed Senator Kimbrell's usage of an anti-LGBTQ+ slur in private messages. He should no longer represent the LGBTQ+ people in his district, and he should not continue his candidacy for governor of a state with nearly 200,000 LGBTQ+ adults. Sign our petition calling for immediate accountability: resigning from his Senate seat and withdrawing his candidacy for governor.
Help us continue the fight.
AFFA Action runs on the donations of our generous community members. Join us as a monthly donor and support our ongoing, on-the-ground work at the Statehouse and in local municipalities.
You donate > Our team fights > Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation stops in its tracks.
TL;DR - H.4756 passed, we need your help
URGENT: Tell Governor McMaster to VETO H.4756.
Yesterday, the House voted to pass the anti-trans bathroom bill. There is still opportunity to stop H.4756 from becoming law: Governor McMaster must veto the bill. Urge him to say "NO" to discrimination here. (Sending an email will take one minute of your time!)
Want to be more direct? Here is a script you can use to call the Governor's office at (803) 734-2100:
"Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I'm calling from [City, SC].
I am urging Governor McMaster to veto H.4756. This bill is dangerous and deeply flawed—it targets transgender and gender non-conforming people while putting everyone at risk. It is vague, unenforceable, and violates federal court rulings, including the Fourth Circuit's decision in Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board.
As a South Carolinian, I want our Governor to listen to what people in this state actually want, and I can tell you, I do not want this bill to pass or target the children in my community. If signed into law, H.4756 would open the door to harassment and harm in everyday spaces like restrooms and locker rooms, especially for our youth.
Please deliver this message to the Governor: Veto H.4756. Thank you.”
For your radar:
S.1095 (Total abortion ban): Medical Affairs Committee Hearing occurred Tuesday and testimonies were given. On Wednesday, the bill passed out of the committee.
May 14, 5:00PM is "Sine Die," or the end of the legislative session where remaining active bills die and must be reintroduced in the next session.
TL;DR - Join us at the Statehouse
Join us to rally for LGBTQ+ and Reproductive Rights next Tuesday
On Tuesday the 14th, two bills will be heard: H.4756, the anti-trans bathroom bill, and S.1095, an extreme total abortion ban. AFFA Action, WREN, and many other orgs are coming together to say "NO."
Tuesday, April 14
8:30 AM - 12 PM
SC Statehouse – West Grounds
We need your help to rally, table with us, and assist with set up and tear down efforts. Please respond to this email if you are interested in joining us. Gas cards are available to those who travel 50 miles or more, and can be requested here.
For your radar:
H.4756 Debates on House floor, April 14, Session begins at 12pm
S.1095 Committee Hearing, April 14, 9AM (Gressette, Room 308)
They are coming for marriage equality in South Carolina.
South Carolina lawmakers are calling on the Supreme court to reverse marriage equality. We need your immediate financial support.
Introduced this morning, this resolution calls on the Supreme Court to reverse Obergefell v Hodges.
Here is what matters right now: AFFA Action has the infrastructure. We have built the relationships. We have spent years strengthening the advocacy network needed for moments exactly like this. But if we are going to meet this attack with the force it demands, we need to triple our pressure on the Statehouse immediately.
Donate today to help AFFA Action mobilize for marriage equality.
Your donation will help us:
put more advocates and organizers in the Statehouse
activate our networks across South Carolina
increase pressure on lawmakers in real time
expand rapid-response communications and outreach
make sure this attack does not go unanswered
Let’s be honest: the people behind these resolutions are counting on exhaustion. They are counting on fear. They are counting on the idea that if they keep attacking us, eventually we will run out of energy, attention, or resources.
Let's show them what we've got.
Together we fight,
Ashley Peele
Executive Director
TL;DR - Take Action!
Action Alert! Call your SC House Rep. and tell them to stand up for their version of H.4756.
The SC Senate is advancing their version of the bathroom bill after adding even more harmful amendments, including allowing a porta-potty to act as the only single user restroom available on an entire campus. We need you to act now.
Call your Rep. using the ACLU of SC's auto-dialer and tell them to stand firm and refuse the Senate's version. We must reduce the harm this bill can cause.
TL;DR - BLOCKED Anti-LGBTQ+ Budget Provisions
Good news! Over half a dozen harmful LGBTQ+ amendments were kept out of the SC House budget
Finally, something to celebrate! Our team has been fighting hard to ensure that no anti-LGBTQ+ provisions were allowed to remain in this year's proposed budget, and last week our work paid off!
TL;DR - Fight for the Freedom to Read in Pickens County
We need your help to protect Pickens County Libraries.
The Board of Trustees launched a review of more than 86,000 youth books, a process that could take over a year. Programs are already being canceled and services delayed as staff are pulled away from serving families.
For Your Radar
S.540 (Anti-LGBTQ+ child abuse bill) goes before the Senate Family and Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee again this Wednesday at 9am.
TL;DR - We need you at the Statehouse tomorrow.
Two anti-LGBTQ+ bills are up for discussion tomorrow.
If you pick one day to come to the Statehouse this session, pick tomorrow. Let's make it clear where SC stands.
S.199 (Senate-Level Bathroom Bill)
February 18th, 9 AM in Gressette room 105
S.540 (Anti-LGBTQ+ "Child Welfare" Bill)
February 18th, 9 AM in Gressette room 308
Join Us
Advocacy 201: Power Mapping, In-Person & Livestreamed Workshop
Join AFFA Action for an interactive workshop designed to strengthen your advocacy skills in South Carolina’s political landscape.
We’ll begin with a clear overview of how advocacy works in SC, then we’ll move into a hands-on Power Mapping session where you’ll learn how to identify key stakeholders, map influence relationships, and build strategic plans that increase the impact of your advocacy.
TL;DR - S.162 Blocks Trans & Intersex People from Updating IDs
Our new email format - quick updates for busy advocates
S.162 would bar trans and intersex individuals from updating their gender on identity documents, keeping people from using accurate documentation to access basic daily functions like applying for a job or traveling, all while amplifying potential for harassment and discrimination.
For Your Radar
S.199 (Senate-level bathroom bill) will have its next hearing on Feb. 18.
H.4757 (Parental Rights bill) passed from full committee to the House floor today, and debates on the floor can begin as soon as tomorrow.
Join Us
Advocacy 201: Power Mapping, In-Person & Livestreamed Workshop
Join AFFA Action for an interactive workshop designed to strengthen your advocacy skills in South Carolina’s political landscape.
We’ll begin with a clear overview of how advocacy works in SC, then we’ll move into a hands-on Power Mapping session where you’ll learn how to identify key stakeholders, map influence relationships, and build strategic plans that increase the impact of your advocacy.
2025 = Success | 2026 = Back in ACTION
As the South Carolina General Assembly prepares to reconvene on January 13, 2026, we’re reflecting on the powerful progress our community made during the first year of this legislative session. In 2025, not a single anti-LGBTQ+ or anti-Trans bill passed in South Carolina—a quiet but significant victory made possible by coordinated advocacy, testimony, and organizing. We also saw growing momentum beyond the State House, including the passage of Hate Crime Ordinances in communities across the state and local election wins that affirmed a shared commitment to equality, safety, and inclusion.
As we enter the second year of the session, our focus turns to the work ahead. Hope alone is not enough—hope requires action. From January through May 2026, AFFA Action will remain fully engaged at the State House, monitoring legislation, working with lawmakers, and mobilizing our community when it matters most. Together, we can protect hard-won progress and continue building a South Carolina where dignity and equality are nonnegotiable.
The South Carolina General Assembly will reconvene on January 13, 2026, marking the beginning of the second year of our two-year legislative session. As we prepare for the work ahead, we want to reflect on the remarkable progress our community made over the past year and set the stage for the advocacy to come.
The first year of this legislative session gave us many reasons to celebrate: moments of progress, resilience, and unity that sprung from the advocacy, tenacity, and teamwork of our community and organizing partners.
Quiet Wins in the Legislature
In 2025, not a single anti-LGBTQ+ or anti-Trans bill passed in South Carolina. At a time when many states pushed harmful legislation, our collective action, testimony, organizing, and presence helped ensure those efforts did not advance here. These quiet wins were not accidents, they were the result of a community that refuses to be silent.
We also saw an important statewide effort gain momentum: the passage of Hate Crime Ordinances that reaffirm local commitments to safety, dignity, and accountability. These ordinances passed in Richland County (the first county in SC to do so!), Columbia, Richland, Orangeburg, Irmo, Georgetown, and Gaffney!
Growing Advocacy Power
This year we also invested heavily in building community leadership.
In February, we trained 50+ new advocates through our Advocacy 101 program.
We honored two legislative champions, Representative Heather Bauer and Senator Tameika Isaac Devine, with our Legislative Hero Awards for their unwavering commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ South Carolinians.
Election Day Victories
On November 4, South Carolinians elected leaders who support equality, fairness, and inclusion. We celebrate:
Aaron Polkey, elected to Charleston City Council
Tina Belge, elected to Greenville City Council
David Petty, elected Mayor of Lyman
These wins reflect a growing statewide recognition that LGBTQ+ rights and inclusive values resonate with communities from coast to mountains.
National and State-Level Wins
We also witnessed major victories beyond our immediate legislative battles.
Marriage Equality Protected: On November 10, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the 2015 marriage equality decision, allowing this landmark protection to stand.
SC Senate Bill 323 Defeated: At the November 18 hearing, the extreme SC Senate Bill 323 (a total abortion ban with wide-reaching consequences) failed to advance out of the Medical Affairs subcommittee by one vote.
This outcome protects:
IVF treatments for LGBTQ+ families
Access to contraception
Public school students from mandated anti-abortion propaganda
The privacy and autonomy of all South Carolinians
This was a direct result of coordinated community advocacy, testimony, and public pressure. It was a powerful reminder that engagement works.
Hope Requires Action
As we enter the second year of the legislative session, our hope remains clear: that South Carolina will continue to reject bills that threaten the rights, safety, or dignity of LGBTQ+ and Trans people. But hope is not passive. Hope requires action.
From January through May 2026, we will once again be fully present at the State House: monitoring legislation, meeting with lawmakers, amplifying community voices, and ensuring that equality stays at the forefront. When concerning bills arise, we will alert you immediately to ensure the public can mobilize quickly and effectively.
Thank you for your commitment and for standing with us through every victory, both quiet and loud. Together, we can ensure the progress of 2025 continues into 2026. Follow along for coverage of the 2026 legislative cycle through our newsletters, Facebook, and Instagram.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
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
The Equality Brief: Edition 9
Your Bi-Weekly Update on Advocacy, Policy, and Action
Happy Pride, y’all!
This year’s Pride might feel a little different, but let’s be clear: we celebrate because we deserve to live joyful, safe, and authentic lives. We’re still finding ways to shine, still showing up in our glitter and rainbows, and still fighting like hell to protect our people.
Being joyfully queer in the South is, in itself, an act of resistance.
Here’s what you need to know this week.
In South Carolina, 25-year-old trans man Luca Strobel is facing charges after using the women’s restroom at a bar in Folly Beach. He was there to pick up a friend and chose the restroom he felt safest using, as the men’s room had no stalls.
What seemed like a safe choice resulted in staff calling the police. Luca was detained, issued a trespass notice, and charged with public intoxication. He says officers cuffed him so tightly he lost feeling in his hands.
No South Carolina law prohibits trans men from using the women’s restroom. But that didn’t stop Luca from experiencing the worst. And that’s the deeper issue: these situations aren’t truly about safety. They’re about fear, exclusion, and making it harder for trans people to move freely through public life.
"...After experiencing something traumatic, I’m going through a lot of different emotions; but, I have also personally seen the community rally together to support me, and there is no feeling like knowing that community is there, always. That’s what support looks like: people close and far—queer or not—using their voices to uplift and encourage other queer people, of all ages. From all over. What a beautiful thing to witness. Loud and proud in a time where they want us to be quiet and hide. I am so grateful for the community we create and foster here. This will always be home.” - Luca Strobel
Stories like Luca's remind us what we're fighting for. They remind us why we work long hours testifying at the State House, or why we stand in line to vote.
House Republicans are backing a federal budget proposal that would ban Medicaid and CHIP coverage for all gender-affirming care, regardless of age. It would also strip transition-related care from the definition of essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act, making it nearly impossible for states to offer this care through ACA plans.
The proposal doesn’t stop there. This bill would significantly reduce Medicaid funding, potentially putting 13.7 million people at risk of losing coverage. This includes
Thousands living with HIV who depend on Medicaid, the largest funder of HIV care in the U.S.
1 in 5 trans people, and
LGBTQ+ community health centers provide services like mental health care, STI testing, and hormone therapy.
The budget also targets food access by slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), adding harsher work requirements, and limiting eligibility. LGBTQ+ people already experience higher rates of poverty and food insecurity, as more than one in four say they struggled to afford food in the past year. These cuts would deepen an already dangerous crisis, especially for women, youth, and people of color in our community.
Finally, the bill seeks to defund Planned Parenthood, an organization that has long provided inclusive, affirming care to LGBTQ+ individuals and reproductive health services to all who need them.
All of this is bundled into the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill, ”a massive, costly package that would extend tax cuts for the wealthy, expand military and immigration spending, and add $2.4 trillion to the national debt. It’s being sold as a fix for economic stagnation, but it’s being paid for by targeting the health and survival of marginalized people.
ACTION ALERT
Tell your U.S. Senator: VOTE NO on the Big Beautiful Bill
In another devastating move, the Trump administration has removed federal guidance that required hospitals to provide abortion care in medical emergencies. That means in states like South Carolina, where abortion access is already under attack, hospitals can now turn patients away. Even when their lives are at risk.
Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), hospitals were supposed to provide emergency care, including abortion, to stabilize patients. That protection is now gone.
Let’s be clear: this will result in unnecessary deaths. Patients experiencing sepsis, hemorrhage, and other complications will be forced to wait, suffer, or be denied care entirely.
Abortion is a crucial part of healthcare for LGBTQ+ folks. Emergency care is a right. We will continue to work with our partners at WREN to ensure every South Carolinian has the right to access quality healthcare.
As we mentioned in our last edition, all eyes are on the Supreme Court as we await a decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti, one of the most significant trans rights cases to reach the Court in years. Oral arguments were held on December 4, 2024, and a ruling is expected any day now.
The case challenges Tennessee’s law banning gender-affirming care for anyone under 18. It’s not just about new patients: Tennessee’s law also forces trans youth already receiving care to stop and allows private citizens to sue the doctors who provide it.
Brought by the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and three families (including 15-year-old plaintiff Samantha Williams and her parents), this case asks a critical question: Can extremist lawmakers override parents, doctors, and medical standards to score political points at the expense of trans kids’ lives?
This is not just a Tennessee issue. A bad ruling could open the door to copycat bans nationwide, including in South Carolina. AFFA Action is in partnership with local and national organizations to mobilize post-decision.
Whew, you made it! We know it’s a lot. For us, this serves as a poignant reminder of why Pride exists in the first place. We’ve always had to fight to be seen, to be safe, and to be free. That hasn’t changed. But neither has our collective power.
So take care of your people. Celebrate every inch of joy you can grab. And when you’re ready? Let’s get back in the ring.
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