Texas Is for Everyone: Block SB7 & Protect Trans Rights & Economic Stabilty

SB 7 is not about safety; it is about exclusion. This bill sends a message to transgender Texans, including children, that they do not belong in public life. It would prevent them from using restrooms, locker rooms, and even dorms in schools, colleges, shelters, and detention facilities. Families have already shared the harm caused by similar laws. In one documented case from 2017, a transgender teenager in Texas avoided using the bathroom all day at school, resulting in repeated urinary tract infections. Research consistently shows that transgender individuals are far more likely to be victims of harassment and violence in restrooms than to pose any risk to others. A 2019 study by the Williams Institute found no connection between trans-inclusive restroom policies and public safety incidents. However, there is strong evidence that restrictive laws worsen mental health and increase the risk of suicide for transgender youth. Forcing someone to use a bathroom that does not align with their identity invites public shaming, bullying, and sometimes assault. These laws also create a false sense of fear that divides communities rather than making them safer. The damage extends beyond personal harm; it is also economic. Businesses and convention planners have already started to cancel events in Texas due to safety concerns for their employees and attendees. In other states, similar laws have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue from conferences, sporting events, and tourism. Texas relies on its reputation as a welcoming and economically vibrant state. Passing SB 7 would send the opposite message and negatively impact our economy. The LGBTQ+ community is made up of friends, family, and neighbors who deserve the same safety, respect, and dignity as every other Texan. I urge you to reject SB 7 and demonstrate that Texas values the dignity, safety, and opportunities of all its people.