Organizing and Youth Protest: The Fight for Trans Rights in Texas

• In Event: Educating Queers, Queering Education

Abstract

The civil rights of transgender and non-binary youth in Texas were the focus of proposed laws during the 87th and 88th legislative sessions. These laws aimed to restrict access to educational resources, healthcare, and transition services. The response from non-profit organizations and youth-led protest movements represented a significant change in political engagement among transgender and non-binary students from Gen-Z (born between 1997 and 2012) and Gen-Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024). Growing cooperation among youth on online platforms for coordinating protests indicates a transformation in political participation. This study investigates youth resistance strategies and organizational efforts by analyzing testimonies led by transgender and non-binary youth leaders.

Authors

• Sherri Castillo, Austin Community College

• Angela Valenzuela, University of Texas at Austin

• Chesley Hinds, Texas House of Representatives LGBTQ+ Caucus