LGBTQ+ State Leaders Statement
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Visit lgbtqks.org to support trans Kansans harmed by SB 244
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As leaders of state-based equality organizations from across the country, we stand together in

solidarity with and support for the people of Kansas following the passage of SB 244, a

dangerous and discriminatory law targeting the rights of transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and

gender diverse Kansans. Our hearts are with you.
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SB 244–which passed only after the Legislature overrode a veto by the state’s

Governor–restricts the ability of transgender people to use public bathrooms, allows others to

sue those in violation of the law, and immediately invalidates Kansans’ driver’s licenses and

birth certificates if the sex marker is different than what was assigned at birth. This law has left

countless Kansans scrambling with the knowledge that their driver’s licenses and other

documents are no longer seen as valid by the state.
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Identification documents are essential to navigating public life; a physical representation of how

the government recognizes who we are as individuals. Identification documents are a

foundational tool used to navigate many aspects of public society: travel and transportation,

housing, healthcare, employment, even things as mundane as opening a bank account or

joining a gym.
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Invalidating these documents and restricting access to restrooms are grave attacks on

transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and gender diverse Kansans, carrying immediate and practical

implications. Can trans Kansans still legally drive to work? Board an airplane? Borrow a book

from the library? SB 244 is an intolerable invasion of Kansans’ privacy and basic rights, as the

ACLU of Kansas is already arguing in its lawsuit to stop the law.
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While this litigation plays out, we urge our communities to stand with queer Kansas. To those

wanting to help, visit lgbtqks.org to support trans Kansans harmed by SB 244 and consider

supporting some of the amazing Kansas-based organizations like Loud Light, the LGBTQ

Foundation of Kansas, Trans Women of Color Collective, Equality Kansas, ACLU of Kansas,

Our Spot KC, Transformations, and more. We see the amazing work you’re doing, each and

every day.
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But to the coordinated network of individuals and organizations pushing anti-trans policies in

Kansas and across the country, we see you, too. We see that your anti-LGBTQ+ views are not

popular. We see that your anti-trans policies are both attacks in and of themselves, and act as

stepping stones to your larger anti-democratic goals; make no mistake, we understand that this

attack on trans people’s identification documents is (also) voter suppression. Most importantly,

we see the tide turning and a progressive wave coming that will sweep you to the dustbin of

history where you belong.
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Because we are not going anywhere.LGBTQ+ people are part of every state, every community, every demographic in this country.

Wherever there are people, that’s where you’ll also find trans people. (It feels like this should go

without saying, but here we are in 2026.)
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To trans and gender diverse Kansans—you are not alone. Whether through our personal ties to

the state of Kansas and its people, or through our shared work together, know that we are

holding you in our hearts. Our organizations and communities are standing with you, and we will

keep working until we all can enjoy the full promise of equality.
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Ad astra per aspera. A rough road can, and will, lead to the stars.
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In solidarity,
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AFFA Action

Arkansas Black Gay Men's Forum

Basic Rights Oregon

Catalyst Montana

Equality Arizona

Equality California

Equality Connecticut

Equality Delaware

Equality Federation

Equality Illinois

Equality Michigan

Equality New Mexico

Equality Ohio

Equality South Dakota

Equality Texas

Equality Virginia

EqualityMaine

Fair Wisconsin

Fairness Campaign

Forum For Equality Louisiana

Freedom Oklahoma

FreeState Justice

Garden State Equality

Gender Justice

Georgia Equality

IYG

Lavender Rights Project

Louisiana Trans Advocates

MassEquality

North Dakota Human Rights Coalition

One ColoradoOne Iowa

OutFront Minnesota

OutNebraska

PROMO Missouri

Reproductive Justice Action Collective

Silver State Equality

Tennessee Equality Project

Transformation Project

Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)

Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico

TransOhio

Wyoming Equality
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Looking to learn more about SB 244 and some of the organizations that are opposing it?

Click here to read the text of SB 244

Click here for statements by Kansas-based organizations opposing SB 244

Click here to read the lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Kansas

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