There's a path forward for transgender rights. Mara Keisling, a senior fellow at Searchlight, has been a leading advocate for trans rights and acceptance for 30 years. She’s seen public opinion shift significantly over that time. Trans Americans today are able to live freer, fuller lives than they would have all those years ago. But the resurgence of anti-trans sentiment in civil society and government should concern all of us. Over the past year, Searchlight has surveyed the American public on the rights and acceptance of trans people. More than 34,000 across six rounds of polling. The results provide Mara and advocates like her with a path forward — starting with a renewed focus on equal treatment and civil rights. Banning discrimination and harassment of trans people in the workplace or housing. Keeping politicians out of deeply personal health care decisions. Emphasizing parents and their role in deciding what’s best for their kids. Leaders should push for equal treatment and civil rights. And they should avoid aimless messaging bills or confusing language that only alienates the public and stokes anti-trans sentiment.
