Phoenix Union High School District Takes a Stand Against Transphobia

Strategic Insights -

The Phoenix Union High School District has become the first school district in Arizona to take a bold stance against discrimination against transgender children and youth, passing a resolution Thursday that opposes such attacks. This move comes as a response to the surge of anti-transgender bills and rhetoric in Arizona, including Senate Bill 1165, which prohibits transgender kids from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) applauds the district's courage in standing up for these vulnerable children.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Phoenix Union High School District has become the first school district in Arizona to pass a resolution opposing discrimination against transgender children and youth.
  • The resolution comes in response to the surge of anti-transgender bills and rhetoric in Arizona, including Senate Bill 1165.
  • The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) applauds the district's courage in standing up for these vulnerable children.
  • 55% of LGBTQ+ Arizonans reported suffering from depression in the past two weeks, according to a recent analysis.
  • Parents of transgender youth in Arizona have spoken out about the harm these bills have on their children's mental health and well-being.
  • A recording of the roundtable discussion is available here.
  • 77% of Arizonans support nondiscrimination protections, and 67% oppose refusal of service on religious grounds, according to the latest PRRI data.
  • The PRRI data also shows that support for LGBTQ+ rights is on the rise in Arizona and nationwide.
  • In 2021, 147 anti-transgender bills were introduced in 34 states, with legislators in 12 states enacting anti-LGBTQ+ bills despite lacking evidence.
  • The Human Rights Campaign has tracked at least 50 violent deaths of trans and gender non-conforming people in 2021.
  • 85% of transgender or gender non-binary youth say their mental health has been negatively affected by legislative attacks, according to a new Trevor Project survey.
  • Anti-transgender content on social media is a radicalizing issue and is fueled by right-wing arguments playing on long-standing misogynistic, racist, and sexist tropes about gender roles.
  • The American Principles Project (APP) and its chief underwriter Sam Fieler have invested millions of dollars in support of anti-LGBTQ+ candidates.
  • Businesses, advocacy groups, and athletes have spoken out against anti-trans legislation, with over 150 major US corporations opposing these bills.
  • Companies like Amazon, American Airlines, Apple, and others have objected to these bills.
  • 82% of Americans favor laws that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and housing, according to recent PRRI data.
  • 67% of Americans oppose the anti-transgender sports ban legislation proliferating across 30 states, according to a PBS/NPR/Marist poll.
  • A 10-swing-state poll conducted by the Human Rights Campaign and Hart Research Group in 2020 showed that at least 60% of Trump voters across each of the 10 swing states say transgender people should be able to live freely and openly.
  • When asked about the importance of banning transgender people from participating in sports as compared to other policy issues, the issue came in dead last, with between 1% and 3% prioritizing the issue.

Statistics:

  • 55% of LGBTQ+ Arizonans reported suffering from depression in the past two weeks, according to a recent analysis.
  • 77% of Arizonans support nondiscrimination protections.
  • 67% of Arizonans oppose refusal of service on religious grounds, according to the latest PRRI data.
  • 79% of Americans favor laws that would protect LGBTQ+ people against discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and housing, with an 11% increase in support since 2015.
  • 85% of transgender or gender non-binary youth say their mental health has been negatively affected by legislative attacks, according to a new Trevor Project survey.
  • 85% of respondents across each of the 10 swing states say transgender people should have equal access to medical care.
  • 73% of voters agree that "sports are important in young people's lives. Young transgender people should be allowed opportunities to participate in a way that is safe and comfortable for them."
  • 82% of Americans favor laws that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and housing.

Sources:

  • Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
  • Phoenix Union High School District
  • American Principles Project (APP)
  • Pride Research and Action Center (PRRI)
  • Trevor Project
  • PBS/NPR/Marist poll
  • Human Rights Campaign and Hart Research Group