In the fight for LGBTQ rights, transgender communities across the United States are boldly demanding equal treatment in every aspect of life. From battling for restroom access to protesting discriminatory laws concerning their medical care, the struggle for equality persists. Guiding this movement with unwavering dedication is Chase Strangio, an influential figure serving as the deputy director for transgender justice within the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project.
Chase Strangio, at 37 years old, has taken the lead in numerous battles against discrimination. In South Dakota, he played a pivotal role in opposing a bill that criminalized the administering of hormone therapies to trans youth. Thanks to his tireless efforts and those of countless allies, the legislation was defeated in committee in February—representing a significant victory for the trans community.
With a poignant sense of urgency, Strangio emphasizes the high stakes involved. Alarming statistics from the Human Rights Campaign reveal that 26 trans or gender-non-conforming individuals lost their lives to violence in 2019. Shockingly, over 90% of these victims were black trans women, underscoring the urgent need for change and protection.
For Strangio, this work extends far beyond addressing discrimination; it is about fostering an unbreakable connection between the struggle for trans rights and the broader fight for equality. Understanding the interconnectedness of various social justice movements, he emphasizes the need for a united front and allied mobilization. It is by linking the survival and flourishing of the trans community to other movements for justice that true progress can be achieved.
Join us in celebrating Chase Strangio’s unwavering commitment to the civil rights of transgender individuals. His visionary leadership, passion, and tireless efforts continue to shape a brighter future for all, where equality and justice prevail.
Together, let us demand a world free from discrimination, where the rights and well-being of transgender individuals are cherished and protected.