A Message to Transgender Utahns

As the Utah Legislative session begins, and in the shadow of President Trump’s executive order, we know that this is a challenging and difficult time for many within the transgender community. We know that several proposed bills will directly affect the lives of transgender Utahns. These include modifications to last year’s bathroom regulations, and new legislation regarding transgender youth in foster care and incarcerated individuals.

Throughout the country, transgender rights have become a flashpoint of legislative debate. We understand how deeply painful it can be when your fundamental identity and right to exist authentically becomes a matter of public discourse and regulation.

Historically, Utah achieved meaningful protections for transgender individuals in employment, housing, and hate crimes legislation. These successes came through careful listening and finding shared values with those holding different perspectives.

Some issues remain challenging, particularly around sports participation and sex-segregated spaces like dorms and locker rooms. These conversations are complex and touch on deeply held values and concerns among people who hold varying worldviews. And we’ll be frank, in these specific areas, finding common ground has been more difficult.

We hear your fears about recent federal and state actions. Even in spite of these actions, your constitutional rights to dignity, equal protection, and the pursuit of happiness are fundamental and unchangeable. You deserve to access housing, employment, and education free from discrimination, and to live openly as your authentic self.

For those of you who call Utah your home, we want you to know you belong here and there is a community that sees you, loves you, and values you.

While the journey toward full understanding and acceptance takes time, we will continue working to build bridges and create spaces where all Utahns can coexist and belong together. And we will be on Capitol Hill every day this session, having many conversations with lawmakers about your hopes and fears.

Our strength lies in our ability to face difficult conversations with grace, to listen deeply to different perspectives, and to never lose sight of our shared humanity. We must build a Utah where every person’s dignity is honored and where differences become opportunities for deeper connection rather than division.

Troy Williams

Executive Director

Marina Lowe

Policy Director

Olivia Jaramillo

Public Outreach Director