Pride Month may have ended, but the LGBTQ community has plenty of victories to celebrate. The Trevor Project and the American Civil Liberties Union state that despite over 550 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in 2023, only 80 became law. So far, in 2024, of the 527 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced, just 41 have passed. While these numbers can seem overwhelming, the success rate of anti-LGBTQ legislation is low, and it is due to the dedicated efforts of queer activists. Additionally, several states have passed laws this year protecting LGBTQ rights in education and healthcare. Gabby Doyle, Senior Manager of State Advocacy at the Trevor Project, told The Advocate, “We as a community have been successful in really sharing our experiences and stories with our representatives and local media.” Doyle also notes a clear divide, with blue states advancing LGBTQ protections while red states often restrict queer rights. However, thanks to the efforts of LGBTQ advocates and community members, even red states like Georgia, Indiana, and Kentucky have seen increasing difficulty in passing hateful laws. Doyle emphasizes that despite the focus on negative stories, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate these positive developments as they have a positive impact on mental health.
