(iPoster) Exclusionary Politics in the States: Anti-Trans Leg and Trans Voices

• In Event: Poster Session: Legislative Studies & Politics in the American States
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Politics in the American States

Abstract

Despite efforts by advocates to protect transgender rights, and legal challenges to legislation that discriminates against transgender individuals on the basis of their gender identity, a number of U.S. states are continuing to pursue anti-transgender policies. In past efforts by state legislatures to limit LGBTQ rights, social movements have been key actors in mobilizing opposition to these bills—partially using a strategy of first-person testimony in legislative settings. Taking a feminist institutionalist approach and using case studies of Arkansas and Arizona, we demonstrate how the institutions that shape public engagement with the legislature enable the development of a political opportunity structure that is favorable to anti-transgender activists. Our study provides insights into how seemingly value-neutral institutions that exist to manage time in public hearings can limit deliberative democracy, and the need to pay attention to the institutions that enable or hinder participation in the policy making process by minority groups.

Authors

• Kaitlin Kelly-Thompson, Simon Fraser University

• Amber N Lusvardi, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh