Opinion Page: The Onslaught of Anti-Trans Legislation Demands a Crisis Response From Philanthropy

From the Chronicle of Philanthropy, June 13, 2023

Since the start of 2023 state legislative sessions, more than 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been proposed across the country, with more than 220 of those specifically targeting transgender and gender-nonconforming youth. So far, more than 70 of these bills have become law in at least 18 states, leading the Human Rights Campaign last week to issue its first-ever state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the United States.

This all-out assault on trans people should concern anyone in philanthropy who cares about liberty and justice. Unfortunately, this emergency situation is not receiving the emergency philanthropic response it deserves.

Philanthropic support has never adequately addressed the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, but in this moment of crisis, the lack of funding is especially problematic. A new report from Equitable Giving Lab at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy found that LGBTQ+ organizations receive less than 1 percent of charitable giving overall. Of that, a minuscule amount goes to aid trans people.

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darryll jones