Student Session and Luncheon: Social Work’s Role in Combating Anti-Transgender Legislation and Promoting Trans Rights [presented in person and live streamed]

Bills targeting transgender and nonbinary people have been introduced and passed in a wave of transphobic laws across the United States. In 2022, anti-trans legislators set records by introducing more than 144 pieces of legislation that restricted the rights and protections of transgender and gender non-binary adolescents and adults to participate in school activities, receive life-affirming healthcare, maintain confidentiality over personal records, and other key rights. Activists, organizers, and members of the transgender community have challenged these efforts at the local, state, and national level, both historically and contemporarily. A solidly conservative Supreme Court, however, threatens to stymie these efforts.

This year’s doctoral student luncheon convenes social work scholars, educators, and practitioners to discuss social work’s role in mobilizing resources, fighting for trans rights, and combating anti-trans actions at the local and national level.