Applaud States Standing Up for Trans Rights

Twelve state attorneys general are stepping up to defend transgender and intersex people from discrimination — and they deserve our applause.

Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a coalition of states has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for unlawfully pushing an anti-trans agenda through federal funding threats and distorted interpretations of civil rights law. These states are standing firm against an effort to force “gender ideology” politics into Title IX by redefining sex in narrow, unscientific, and harmful ways — and by trying to punish states that refuse to comply.

The lawsuit makes a clear case: executive orders cannot rewrite laws passed by Congress, and the federal government cannot bully states into abandoning their own civil rights protections by holding critical funding hostage. HHS has repeatedly tried to freeze or revoke support for programs that help young people, families, and communities thrive — all in service of denying trans people dignity, safety, and equal treatment under the law.

This lawsuit is about more than one agency’s overreach. It’s about protecting health care, education, research, and basic human dignity — and ensuring that no administration can weaponize federal funding to target marginalized communities.

Add your name to applaud these state attorneys general for standing up for transgender and intersex people, defending civil rights, and fighting for a country where everyone can live with dignity, safety, and freedom.