The campaign is issuing what it calls a “state of emergency” amid a growing number of legislative moves placing new restrictions on gender-affirming care, what kids can learn about sexuality in schools, and a number of other related issues.
"There are no times in my memory that our community has been more under attack than it is right now, particularly transgender kids," says Chris Hartman, who heads up Kentucky's Fairness Campaign.
Kentucky is one of nearly 20 states that have now moved to ban or restrict gender transitioning services for minors.
And while the state of emergency is largely driven by the spike in LGBTQ-related legislation, advocates also worry Pride Month could lead to confrontations like one reported by protesters at a trans rights rally in Corbin over the weekend. The demonstrators say they were approached by two men yelling slurs and threatening them.
Still, Hartman says the mood among LGBTQ rights supporters is one of resilience.
"Pride festivals, events, have more people at them than ever before now," Hartman says. "The state of emergency, the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric is having the exact opposite effect of what our opponents intend."
Republican lawmakers argue laws like Kentucky’s SB 150 are necessary to bolster parental rights and protect children.
