EQUALITY TEXAS AND GLAAD RESPOND TO GOV. GREG ABBOTT’S DISCRIMINATORY DEFIANCE OF FEDERAL TITLE IX PROTECTIONS

(Austin, Texas – April 30, 2024) – Equality Texas, the largest nonprofit in Texas focused on securing full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people, the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT,) an organization dedicated to furthering gender-diverse equality in Texas and GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, are responding to the discriminatory actions of Texas Governor Greg Abbott who on Monday, defied federal Title IX protections by instructing the State of Texas to block rules protecting sexual orientation and gender identity.

A federal law passed in 1972, Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation in education programs that receive federal assistance. The Title IX provisions, issued earlier this month by the Department of Education, are part of the Biden Administration’s efforts to overturn rules created by former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Though the Title IX protections are not perfect, as they lack any mention of transgender athletes, the actions taken by state officials in Texas add further discrimination to all LGBTQ Texans. 

Statement from Ricardo Martinez (he/him), CEO of Equality Texas:

“The improved Title IX protections are a meaningful step in the right direction. Some schools are serious about their responsibility to support and protect students and already have systems to support LGBTQIA+ students. The Title IX updates ensure that support for all students isn’t optional. Every Texas student deserves the best support, no matter who they are or what they’re going through.

“Paxton’s suit and Abbott’s order undermine protections for LGBTQIA+ students, survivors of sexual assault, and pregnant students. These kids deserve safe spaces and support as much as every other Texas kid.”

Statement from Sarah Kate Ellis (she/her), President & CEO of GLAAD:

“The Biden administration has made strong updates to Title IX protections for LGBTQ students. This step forward to ensure all young people can thrive at school is now being pushed back once again by regressive and backward politics from state officials like Gov. Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Abbott and Texas officials are prioritizing fear over safety and it is through their words and cowardly actions that LGBTQ youth are facing immediate dangers in the Lone Star State.”

Additional research:

• GLAAD’s Accountability Project profile on Gov. Abbott shows a concerning trend of anti-LGBTQ efforts that include discriminatory rhetoric against transgender and non-conforming teachers, falsely identifying LGBTQ literature as “pornography” and recommendations to remove protections from state LGBTQ workers. 
• Texas led the nation last year in a record-breaking year of proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation that would codify discrimination against LGBTQ Texans. For a comprehensive list of the bills introduced and their status, visit this link.
• Anti-LGBTQ lawmakers this year pushed forward bans on healthcare for transgender youth, bans on inclusive education curricula that include LGBTQ issues and history, increased restrictions on transgender students participating in school sports, and bans on performances by drag artists, among other bills. For a comprehensive description of all LGBTQ-related bills in various states, visit this link. 
• At the same time, approximately 140 pro-LGBTQ bills were filed in 2023 by Texas lawmakers, demonstrating a change in tide as advocates and allies not only play defense against the barrage of harmful bills but also outpace them with a push for bills that would benefit the lives of LGBTQ+ Texans across the state.
• Research from The Trevor Project found that 86% of LGBTQ youth say the bills that were proposed in 2022 harmed their mental health.
• GLAAD’s Media Guide: State Legislation About LGBTQ People offers facts, context, and resources to journalists in pursuit of fair and accurate reporting on legislation that is proposed without evidence and against the expertise of medical, educational, and human rights professionals that would have negative effects on the dignity, equality, and physical wellbeing of LGBTQ people. Some recommended best practices in the guide include:
  • Include LGBTQ voices in stories about LGBTQ people and issues. If reporting on a transgender issue specifically, seek a transgender voice. GLAAD can connect you.
  • Elevate expertise over opinion, including facts from experts in relevant fields: healthcare, sports, education, and human rights.
  • Include facts and information from experts and research, rather than repeating inaccurate bill language or analysis verbatim and without challenge.
  • Challenge lawmakers and proponents of legislation to provide evidence and facts to support their assertions

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About Equality Texas:
We envision a Texas where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans and their families have full equality in the hearts and minds of our fellow Texans and in all areas of the law. Equality Texas works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.