In its first week, one group’s test of the new restrictions was met with ID checks at women’s restrooms at the Capitol while the Austin City Council moved to circumvent the law’s intent.
LGBTQ+ Texans
About 1.8 million Texans are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender — the second-highest such population for any U.S. State — according to the Public Policy Institute of California. In recent years, state officials and lawmakers have pursued legislation and policies that could dramatically affect LGBTQ+ Texans’ lives. Texas Tribune reporters are covering LGBTQ+ Texans’ lives and how these bills, laws and directives impact them.
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LGBTQ+ Texans
Arlington upholds suspension of protections for LGBTQ+ people
City Council voted 5-4 to continue the temporary removal of language in its ordinance, which was initiated in September in an effort to avoid losing federal funding.
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LGBTQ+ Texans
LGBTQ+ Texans fought to be recognized. That work is eroding under a conservative pressure campaign.
Conservative activists argue they’re protecting women and rebalancing the law that Democrats tilted in favor of LGBTQ+ people.
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LGBTQ+ Texans
Texas cities grapple with order to remove rainbow crosswalks as state deadline approaches
At the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott, state transportation officials told local leaders to remove crosswalk art often used to mark historically LGBTQ+ neighborhoods or risk losing millions in funding.
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Texas Legislature 2025
“Bathroom bill” advances in Texas House days after tensions flared at hearing
Senate Bill 8, which now heads to the House floor, would restrict which bathrooms in government buildings transgender people would be allowed to use.
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LGBTQ+ Texans
What the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on gender-affirming care ban means for Texas
The court split 6-3 along ideological lines on a case from Tennessee. About two dozen states have similar bans in place.
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LGBTQ+ Texans
Texas students say K-12 DEI ban and other anti-LGBTQ+ bills threaten their safety, voice and mental health
Students are concerned the legislation could silence supportive teachers, dismantle safe spaces, lead to overenforcement and prevent honest conversations about identity.
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Texas Legislature 2025
The Texas Legislature is having big battles over gender and sexuality. Track them here.
The Senate voted Wednesday to give initial approval to a bill that would require buildings, including public schools and universities, among others to segregate private facilities, like bathrooms, by sex.
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LGBTQ+ Texans
Ken Paxton wants Dallas school officials under oath on transgender athlete policy
Paxton’s office launched an investigation into the district’s policy after an administrator was caught on tape discussing a possible loophole in the state’s ban.
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LGBTQ+ Texans
University of Texas System bans drag shows in campus facilities
The move comes a few weeks after the Texas A&M System issued a similar ban, which is being challenged in court.