“Fighting For LGBTQ+ Rights In Your State: A Practical Advocacy Guide” - Be the Transformational Change

Some of the most powerful laws affecting LGBTQ+ lives aren’t made in D.C. - they’re made in your state capitol. From access to gender-affirming care to protections in schools and workplaces, state LGBTQ laws impact daily life in real and urgent ways.

That’s why state advocacy matters. While national headlines draw attention, it’s often grassroots activism at the state level that drives lasting change. And you don’t need a degree in politics to get involved. You just need the tools, some community, and the willingness to act.

This guide is here to help you do exactly that - whether you're learning how to contact your state representatives, looking to join LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, or figuring out how to make change in your community. Let’s get to work.

Step One: Know What’s Happening In Your State

Before you can take action, you need to understand the landscape. State governments are where some of the most impactful (and harmful) legislation affecting LGBTQ+ people is being introduced and passed. 

From restrictions on gender-affirming care to drag performance bans to book censorship in classrooms, these laws often move quickly and with devastating consequences for trans and queer communities.

If you want to protect LGBTQ+ rights and push for inclusive policies, it starts with being informed. Here's how to get started:

Track LGBTQ+ Legislation Near You

There are several reliable, up-to-date resources that help you follow what’s happening in your state:

• ACLU State Legislative Tracker

• Trans Legislation Tracker

• Freedom for All Americans Legislative Tracker

These tools let you search by state to see pending bills, learn their status, and understand what’s at stake. Whether it’s a proposed restriction on school curriculum or a bill threatening access to healthcare, being aware helps you respond fast.

Understand The Stakes

Learning how state LGBTQ laws evolve will show you just how deeply these policies affect everyday life - especially for trans youth, LGBTQ+ families, and educators.

In some states, we’ve seen sweeping bans on gender-affirming care for minors. Others have passed laws targeting LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools or limiting the ability for drag performers to exist safely in public. Knowing what’s on the table helps you advocate smarter - and sooner.

For a deeper understanding of the emotional and practical toll these policies take, check out our related post: Navigating Anti-Trans Policies in America: A Self-Care Guide to Staying Alive

Step 2: Contact Your State Representatives

Once you know what’s happening in your state, the next step is simple - but powerful: speak up. State lawmakers need to hear from their constituents, and yes, that means you.

Whether you’re asking them to vote against an anti-trans bill or for a pro-equality measure, your voice adds to the collective pressure that influences how laws are shaped.

How To Find Your State Reps

Use USA.gov to quickly look up who represents you in your state legislature. You’ll find:

• Their names and political party

• Contact info: phone numbers, emails, office addresses

• Bills they’ve sponsored or voted on

Knowing this helps you tailor your message - and hold them accountable.

Tips For Making Contact

Emailing or calling? Both work. Here’s how to keep it effective:

• Be clear: Name the bill (e.g., “SB123”) and your position.

• Be personal: A short, heartfelt story goes further than a long argument.

• Be polite, but direct: You’re asking them to take a specific action.

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Need a starting point? Try this script:

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent in [Your City or Zip Code]. I’m writing to urge you to oppose [Bill Number], which harms the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ people in our state - especially trans youth. I believe in equality and dignity for all, and I ask you to vote no. Thank you for your time.

Find more tips and tools in our community resource center.

Step 3: Testify, Show Up, And Speak Out

If there’s one truth about grassroots activism, it’s this: your physical presence matters. Whether you're standing on the steps of your state capitol or speaking at a town hall, showing up sends a message that can't be ignored.

You don’t have to be a seasoned activist to make an impact - you just need to be willing to speak up when it counts.

Testify At A Committee Hearing

Many state bills go through public committee hearings before they reach a vote. These are opportunities for you (yes, you) to share your perspective directly with lawmakers.

Start by checking your state legislature’s website. Most will list public hearings and include guidance on how to register to speak. Some even offer virtual testimony options.

Not sure what to say? Keep it simple and honest:

• Introduce yourself as a constituent

• Explain how the bill affects you or someone you care about

• Ask the committee to support or oppose the legislation

Even a 2-minute testimony can shift how a lawmaker sees the issue.

Rally, Attend, Be Seen

If public speaking isn’t your thing, your presence still counts. Attending a rally, school board meeting, or city council session in solidarity sends a visible message: We are watching. We care.

Some lawmakers vote differently when they know their constituents are paying attention.

If you're new to showing up in person, check out events promoted by LGBTQ advocacy organizations in your area or national groups with state chapters like GLSEN, HRC, or your local Equality [State] org.

Remember: Showing Up > Saying It Perfectly

You don’t need a mic drop speech or a protest sign with perfect lettering. Just being in the room (or Zoom) matters. This is what grassroots activism looks like.

And if you need inspiration or encouragement, revisit our guide on 15 Things Every Transgender Ally Should Know

Step 4: Support or Join LGBTQ+ Advocacy Groups

You don’t have to do this work alone. In fact, some of the most powerful state LGBTQ advocacy is already being led by grassroots and nonprofit organizations who’ve been doing this for years. 

When you plug into that existing momentum - by volunteering, donating, or simply showing up - you amplify your impact tenfold.

Who’s Doing the Work?

Every state has LGBTQ advocacy organizations fighting for equality on the ground. These groups monitor legislation, build relationships with lawmakers, organize community events, and train volunteers to take action.

Start by searching for local chapters of national groups like:

• Equality [Your State]

• Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

• GLSEN (focused on safe schools)

• TENT (Transgender Education Network of Texas, for Texans)

Or explore grassroots orgs listed on our Community Resources page to find a group that aligns with your values.

Ways You Can Help

Not everyone has the same capacity - and that’s okay. Here are a few ways you can plug in:

• Volunteer your time: help with event logistics, phone banks, or community outreach.

• Share your story: personal testimony can shape public opinion and influence lawmakers.

• Donate if you’re able: even small monthly contributions help sustain long-term advocacy.

• Offer skills: graphic design, web development, legal support, writing - your talents are valuable.

Want to make a direct impact? Volunteer with BTTC and support our mission

Together, we are stronger. Together, we’re the transformational change.

You Have More Power Than You Think

You don’t need to be a lawyer, politician, or protest organizer to make a difference. Real change starts in everyday moments like forwarding an action alert to your group chat, reposting a rally flyer, or talking with your family about how to support LGBTQ rights in your state. These ripples matter.

So whether you're showing up at the statehouse or speaking out in your workplace, know this: you are part of the movement. Every call you make, every story you share, every petition you sign - it's all a form of grassroots activism. 

Ready to get started? Choose one action from this guide today and take that first step. Your voice matters, and together, we build the future we all deserve.

And if you’re looking for a place to plug in, explore our Community Resources, Volunteer Opportunities, or support our work directly through a donation.