LGBTQIA+ Equality

Photo: A large crowd in colorful clothing gathers under an overpass. Many hold signs that say "Pride is still protest" or "Trans people belong." A few in the foreground hold a large vynl banner that says "ACLU of Texas"

What you need to know

86%

86% of Texas LGBTQIA+ youth surveyed by The Trevor Project in 2022 reported that recent politics negatively impacted their well-being.

2 in 3

The majority of Texans — nearly two in three people (73%) — support laws that protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people against discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and housing. (PRRI, 2020)

120+

Texas lawmakers filed more than 120 bills targeting transgender Texans in 2025.

The ACLU of Texas works to protect, defend, and expand the constitutional and civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) Texans.

Texas is home to the second largest population of LGBTQIA+ people in the country, yet across the state, LGBTQIA+ Texans lack basic protections. Many face discrimination, harassment, bullying, and violence in their daily lives simply for being who they are. This is especially true for the most vulnerable groups like LGBTQIA+ Texans of color, transgender Texans, and LGBTQIA+ youth.

We have worked with hundreds of LGBTQIA+ students and their families to advocate against discrimination in school, and we developed a toolkit with our partners to empower young people to engage in direct advocacy. In 2023, Texas lawmakers proposed over 140 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills, with 7 of those bills passing. And in 2025, Texas lawmakers proposed over 200 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills, with eight of those bills passing.

When the governor tried to target families of transgender youth who need gender-affirming medical care, we blocked these harmful actions by immediately challenging them in court, taking the fight to the steps of our Capitol, and shifting the narrative through extensive media coverage. We also worked with our partners to provide support and information directly to families targeted by these actions. Those lawsuits continue today.

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Press Release
Collage of different styles

ACLU of Texas, SEAT Will Sue Over S.B. 12 – Texas Law that Prohibits Programs and Discussions Involving Race, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation in K-12 Schools

Issue Areas: LGBTQIA+ Equality, Igualidad Para La Comunidad LGBTQIA+, Free Speech and Pluralism
Press Release
Capitol in Austin SQ

ACLU of Texas Comments on Passage of H.B. 229 — Discriminatory Definition of Sex Bill

Issue Areas: LGBTQIA+ Equality, Igualidad Para La Comunidad LGBTQIA+
Press Release
A drag performer applies mascara

ACLU of Texas and FIRE Urge University of Texas to Drop Unconstitutional Drag Ban

Issue Areas: Free Speech and Pluralism, LGBTQIA+ Equality, Igualidad Para La Comunidad LGBTQIA+
Court Case
Aug 03, 2023

The Woodlands Pride, Inc. et al, v. Warren Kenneth Paxton, et al

Two LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organizations, two drag production and entertainment companies, and a drag artist are suing the State of Texas to stop state officials from implementing an unconstitutional and far-reaching drag ban.
Court Case
Jul 13, 2023

Loe v. Texas

Families and health professionals are suing the State of Texas to stop state officials from banning life-saving medical care for trans youth.
Court Case
Mar 09, 2022

Doe v. Abbott

The ACLU of Texas and partners filed a lawsuit on behalf of a transgender child, her parents, and a licensed psychologist against Gov. Abbott and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Court Case
Aug 23, 2016

Franciscan Alliance, Inc. v. Burwell

A motion to intervene in a case brought by a group of states and religiously affiliated health care organizations against the federal government.