Trans-rights activists gathered to chant “Trans Lives Matter” in the Oklahoma Capitol on Monday, February 6, ahead of a legislative session that would limit gender-affirming treatments in the state.
Footage of the transgender healthcare advocates gathering in the state building has surfaced online.
Let’s take a look at the Trans Lives Matter protest and the Oklahoma bills that the activists are opposing.
Trans Lives Matter protesters occupy Oklahoma Capitol
A large group of trans-rights advocates gathered outside the House chamber at the Oklahoma state Capitol, holding banners and chanting, in support of access to gender-affirming healthcare yesterday.
The protest comes in response to several Republican lawmakers seeking to limit gender-affirming care for transgender Oklahomans through a slate of bills.
Activists gathered ahead of the legislative session, due to start on February 6, in which GOP lawmakers had pre-filed at least four bills that, if passed, would limit treatments such as hormone replacement therapy.
Oklahoma bills banning gender-affirming care explained
The bills in question were Senate Bill 129, which would ban gender-affirming care for Oklahomans under 26, and Senate Bill 252, which would restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors, OU Daily reports.
However, numerous other anti-trans bills have been proposed in Oklahoma in recent years. In October 2022, State Governor Kevin Stitt called for a statewide ban on gender transition surgeries and therapies for minors.
Last year, Stitt signed bills to prevent transgender athletes from participating in female sports and to require students to use the school restroom that corresponds to the gender on their birth certificate, as per Tulsa World.
‘Trans people just want to live’: Trans Lives Matter protesters at OK Capitol
Trans Lives Matter protesters spoke to local reporters at the Oklahoma Capitol and expressed that they wanted lawmakers to understand that there was opposition to the bills.
One protester, who identified as Walters, told OU Daily that gatherings bring attention to trans issues. “Allies need to do everything they can,” Walters added.
Another demonstrator said: “It’s vital to show legislators that the trans community will live their lives regardless of the “anti-trans rhetoric” coming from the Oklahoma Capitol building.”
Another protester told the outlet: “Legislators have many beliefs that seem to be unfounded, including ideas that trans people are predators. Lawmakers fear the trans community as if trans people are coming for their kids, but in reality, trans people just want to live and mind their business.”
“For a lot of trans people, small things like hormone replacement therapy just help trans people feel more like themselves,” they added.
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