Since the 2020 election, the right-wing has dramatically increased its attacks on transgender Americans, whether its in the speeches of its figureheads or the laws proposed by its legislatures.
Trans Americans have seen waves of legislation across dozens of states targeting their access to sports, targeting the rights of trans kids to explore their identities in safe and affirming environments, and—perhaps most famously—targeting their right to use the restroom.
For years, countless Republican lawmakers have called for bills that would force trans people to use the bathroom of their assigned sex—even if that would expose them to violence and harassment.
Thanks to a young trans man named Gavin Grimm, this policy just suffered a major defeat.
In 2015, a then-16 year old Grimm was forbidden by his school from using the boys' restroom, and instead made to use a unisex bathroom. With the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Grimm sued the school, claiming the policy violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, as well as laws banning sex discrimination in schools.
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Grimm twice, in 2016 and 2020 (after the Supreme Court sent the case back to the Fourth Circuit for reevaluation).
And this past week, the Supreme Court denied standing to an appeal from the Virginia school, sustaining the Fourth Circuit's ruling, securing a massive victory for Grimm and trans students across the Fourth Circuit—including a number of southern states.
I was barred from the bathroom at my highschool 7 years ago, when I was 15. 6 years ago, at 16, myself with the @ACLU/@ACLUVA filed suit in response to that discrimination. Twice since I have enjoyed victories in court, and now it's over. We won.— Gavin Grimm \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\u26a7\ufe0f (@Gavin Grimm \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\u26a7\ufe0f) 1624888716
Only Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito said they would've heard the case.
With the Court holding a 6-3 conservative majority in the aftermath of the Trump era, the victory came as a welcome surprise.
This is great news. Trans rights are human rights. https://twitter.com/ACLU/status/1409512004994408450\u00a0\u2026— Robert Garcia (@Robert Garcia) 1624896491
Amazing news! Protect trans kids and let them be kids in peacehttps://twitter.com/ACLU/status/1409512004994408450\u00a0\u2026— Becca Green (@Becca Green) 1624896167
Great news! Congratulations to all those who helped make this happen. It will make a difference for a lot of kids including my own.https://twitter.com/ACLU/status/1409512004994408450\u00a0\u2026— Jeff White (@Jeff White) 1624897047
In a year where trans students have been constantly under attack, this is particularly good news.https://twitter.com/ACLU/status/1409512004994408450\u00a0\u2026— Ryan Thoreson (@Ryan Thoreson) 1624890823
People praised Grimm for his victory and for his fight for trans rights.
Congrats! Big win for human rights..https://twitter.com/GavinGrimmVA/status/1409511554555469824\u00a0\u2026— Kathy \u201cmask up people\u201d Hennessy, MEd (@Kathy \u201cmask up people\u201d Hennessy, MEd) 1624916574
Victory, again, and, at last. Happy Pride Month, Gavin, and to the many trans kids who I hope will feel the positive impact of this win.https://twitter.com/gavingrimmva/status/1409511554555469824\u00a0\u2026— Logan A. Heiman (@Logan A. Heiman) 1624916295
Thank you for taking on this fight\u2014for all of us.https://twitter.com/gavingrimmva/status/1409511554555469824\u00a0\u2026— Fatima Goss Graves (@Fatima Goss Graves) 1624915642
Congratulations, Gavin, on this incredible victory. Your courage and resilience is at the heart of this victory and has ensured that trans kids across the country can have the freedom to move throughout their schools safely and without fear. \u00a0https://twitter.com/GavinGrimmVA/status/1409511554555469824?s=20\u00a0\u2026— Randi Weingarten (@Randi Weingarten) 1624912827
Great win in the USA. Such bravery in this younger generation.https://twitter.com/GavinGrimmVA/status/1409511554555469824\u00a0\u2026— Gilbert Caluya (@Gilbert Caluya) 1624902503
The Court also refused to take up the case of a florist who was fighting for the "right" to refuse arrangements for same-sex weddings.
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