How your ZIP code defines how you survive
Sure, the federal stage gets all the attention, but don’t be distracted—state and provincial legislatures are where the real queer rights drama unfolds. Across North America, from small-town school boards to sprawling state capitols, local lawmakers are deciding whether queer folks can access healthcare, perform in drag, or even acknowledge their existence in classrooms.
It’s a fight that’s closer to home than we’d like—and one that makes your MP or state representative more powerful than ever.
What’s Happening in the Trenches?
The numbers tell a grim story: in the United States alone, over 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in 2024, according to the ACLU. Canada isn’t immune, either—though the rhetoric may be softer, debates around LGBTQ+ inclusion in school curriculums and public events still flare up in places like New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.
Here’s a snapshot of where the battles are hottest:
- In the U.S. South: Texas recently passed a law banning gender-affirming care for minors and threatening parents who seek it with child abuse investigations. Florida’s expanded “Don’t Say Gay” laws now muzzle high school teachers and even college professors.
- In Canadian provinces: Saskatchewan’s controversial parental rights policy has forced LGBTQ+ students to out themselves if they want to use their preferred names and pronouns at school. It’s an eerie echo of anti-trans measures in red states south of the border.
Meanwhile, pockets of resistance shine through. California is proudly billing itself as a “sanctuary state” for trans youth, while Ontario and British Columbia have maintained strong protections for queer communities.
Why This Matters: Your Rights Depend on Geography
The patchwork of protections—or outright hostility—means that LGBTQ+ lives can look dramatically different depending on where you live.
This disparity creates a chilling realisation: the right to live authentically is increasingly dictated by your postal code.
In Alberta, a queer teacher might fear being fired for mentioning their partner, while in Nova Scotia, their counterpart leads a Pride parade with their students. In Alabama, a trans teenager might lose access to healthcare, while in Oregon, their trans peer is fully supported. This disparity creates a chilling realisation: the right to live authentically is increasingly dictated by your postal code.
And let’s not forget the looming spectre of the U.S. Supreme Court revisiting cases like Obergefell v. Hodges (marriage equality) or Lawrence v. Texas (decriminalising homosexuality). While Canada has broader federal protections under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, queer Canadians know all too well that political winds can shift—and rights can be challenged.
What Can You Do?
Feeling overwhelmed? That’s understandable and very valid. But here’s the thing: we’ve been here before, and we know how to fight back. The queer community has always turned struggle into action, and now is no different. Here’s how you can show up:
- Engage Locally
Do you know your state or provincial representative’s stance on queer issues? Find out. Local elections often fly under the radar, but they have massive implications for our rights. Don’t just vote—volunteer, organise, and mobilise others. - Support Grassroots Organisations
Sure, big names like Egale Canada and the Human Rights Campaign are important, but the unsung heroes are local groups like Equality Florida or PFLAG Canada chapters. Donate, amplify their work, or volunteer. - Raise Your Voice
Call or email your MP, MPP, MLA, or state senator. Yes, it feels old-school, but it works. Show up at public meetings. Be visible. Numbers matter, and when lawmakers feel public pressure, they think twice about toeing a discriminatory line. - Build Queer Resilience
The best way to counter hate is to create spaces where queer folks thrive. Start a mutual aid group, host community events, or simply be a safe person for those in your circle. Building strong, interconnected communities is a revolutionary act.
Where We Go From Here
Let’s be real: it’s exhausting to keep fighting. The headlines keep coming, the laws keep targeting us, and the anxiety never really lets up. But if there’s one thing our community knows, it’s how to resist—and how to win.
From the Stonewall Riots to the marriage equality battles to the creation of trans sanctuaries in states like California and provinces like British Columbia, we’ve proven that when we show up for each other, change happens. State legislatures and provincial parliaments may be the new frontlines, but we’re still standing—and we’re not going anywhere.
So keep your head high, your eyeliner sharp, and your protest signs ready. It’s our time to remind the world: queer people don’t just survive. We thrive. Together.