Loud Light and the ACLU of Kansas are hosting "Beyond the Bills: Understanding Anti-Trans Legislation & Community Resources in Kansas" on March 31. The event will feature information about current bills that affect LGBTQ+ individuals.
The event will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. in Meeting Room C at the Lawrence Public Library and will focus on bills such as Senate Bill 63, which bans gender-affirming care for minors; House Bill 2311, which focuses on trans youth in foster care; and Senate Bill 76, which prohibits the use of chosen names for trans and nonbinary students in schools. These bills will be explained and discussed during the session and audience members are welcome to ask questions throughout.
“This event, in partnership with the ACLU, is one we've hosted in similar setups in the past to address the community's need for education and information around anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, more specifically, anti-trans legislation,” said Donnavan Dillon, senior organizer with Loud Light. “Public education is more important than ever to counter any unintentional fearmonger and misinformation so people can operate from the point of education and agency.”
Donnavan Dillon, Loud Light senior organizer and KU student.
Courtesy of Donnavan Dillon
He described the setbacks trans people have seen following anti-trans legislation and how a lack of transparency could affect Kansans.
“The lack of transparency in the legislative process, legal battles, and the generally confusing nature of policy language confuse people,” Dillon said. “When you compound that with this legislation, it has significant impacts on the autonomy of not only trans and LGBTQ+ people but also state employees and agencies, teachers and families.”
At the free event, attendees will hear from experts and people affected by the legislation and learn what resources are available. While the event is free, attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance.