Madison is, and has been for a long time, a welcoming and supportive place for the LGBTQ+ community. In 1975 Madison became the first place in Wisconsin, and one of the earliest in the country, to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. The City also created the State’s first domestic partnership registry in 1990 and became the first place in Wisconsin to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. More recently, the Common Council voted to declare Madison a sanctuary for trans- and non-binary individuals.

These local efforts were thrown into sharp relief by bills introduced in the Wisconsin legislature that would ban transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming healthcare and prohibit trans students from playing on sports teams consistent with their authentic gender identity.

“These proposals represent another attempt by politicians to assert control over our health, bodies, identities, and futures. As with abortion access, the state has no business intervening in personal medical decisions. Bottom line: the legislators supporting these bills are playing politics with people’s lives and I want everybody to know that the City of Madison is a place where everyone, but particularly trans folks and trans kids, are welcome and supported and affirmed,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.

Gender-affirming care – medically necessary, evidence-based health care proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and suicide risks among trans youth – is supported across the mainstream of the medical community, including national medical bodies like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the American Psychological Association.

Denying healthcare to transgender youth can be life threatening. Research shows it contributes to depression, isolation, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide. On the contrary, transgender youth whose families support their gender identity have a 52% decrease in suicidal thoughts, a 48% decrease in suicide attempts, and significant increases in self-esteem.

Even when these bills do not become law, their introduction alone has proven harmful. A 2022 survey found that 85% of trans and nonbinary youth report that facing ongoing political attacks has been detrimental to their mental health, according to the Trevor Project.

Courts across the country are rejecting identical legislative attacks against the rights of trans youth, their families, and their medical providers. Decisions about the health of trans children should be between them, their families, and their doctors, not politicians hell-bent on outlawing necessary medical care. If enacted, this proposal will quite literally force families out of the state who are proud to call Wisconsin home. It is shameless, heartless, and dangerous.

Transgender students participate in sports to challenge themselves and be part of a team – the same as their peers. The opportunity to participate in sports results in positive outcomes for students, including better grades, greater homework completion rates, higher educational and occupational aspirations, and improved self-esteem.

Lawmakers should instead tackle the real issues with gender parity in sports, including unequal funding, resources, pay equity, and more. Promoting baseless fears about trans athletes does nothing to address those fundamental problems. Excluding trans students from participating in sports teams consistent with their authentic gender identity is unfair and discriminatory. School sports should be inclusive for all students.

“These deeply misguided bills demonstrate why actions like the City Council and County Board resolutions – and the organizing by trans and LGBTQ+ youth that led to them – are so meaningful and important. It’s critical that we, as a government and a community, stand up to hate and discrimination and make it clear that the LGBTQ+ community is welcome in Madison,” said Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford.

The current Madison Common Council is the most diverse yet, with over half represented by people of color, a quarter of Alder districts represented by LGBTQ+ alders, and with Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford elected as the first openly transgender elected official in Madison. In addition, Mayor Rhodes-Conway is the first out LGBTQ+ mayor. This is a testament to how welcoming and supportive the Madison community is, and to our collective commitment to defending against hateful and discriminatory legislation proposed at the state level. This joint* statement signifies that continued welcome and support.

*Alder Wehelie is out of the City and was therefore unable to join the statement.