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.

Resources:

State Policies:

The Latest

Press Release
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Fifth Circuit Denies Motion to Rehear Texas Drag Ban Argument

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit denied a petition for rehearing in The Woodlands Pride v. Paxton and vacated the permanent injunction that has blocked this law for over two years.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Pluralism, LGBTQIA+ Equality
Court Cases: The Woodlands Pride, Inc. et al, v. Warren Kenneth Paxton, et al
Press Release
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Federal Court Halts Enforcement of Key Provisions of Law Censoring Identity and Inclusion in K-12 Schools in Three Texas School Districts

A U.S. District Judge granted today a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of key aspects of Senate Bill 12 in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD until the case is fully resolved.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Pluralism, LGBTQIA+ Equality
Press Release
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Fifth Circuit Overturns District Court Decision Blocking Texas Drag Ban

Issue Areas: Free Speech and Pluralism, LGBTQIA+ Equality
Press Release
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ACLU of Texas, Partners, and Affected Community Members Sue to Challenge Unconstitutional Student Identity Censorship Law

Issue Areas: Free Speech and Pluralism, LGBTQIA+ Equality
Court Case
Dec 15, 2025

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.