More and more, nonpartisan handicappers and even some Republicans are admitting that Democrats will win the U.S. House of Representatives and quite possibly the Senate. But there are still efforts to dampen any “blue wave.”
Five states, ranging from deep red to purple to deep blue, have ballot initiatives targeting the LGBTQ community. All five target trans people playing school sports. The National LGBTQ Task Force held a strategy session in Wilton Manors to fight these ballot questions.
“We’re here to talk about what they are, what they look like in these states, how they’re received in these states, and see if the movement is equipped to deal with it,” Task Force campaign manager Wayne Rocque told OutSFL.
Arizona (purple): Schools and athletic associations restrict sports participation and access to private spaces based on sex.
Colorado (blue): Sex requirement for school and college sports.
Washington (blue): Sex verification for female school sports.
Nebraska (red): Sex requirement for school and college sports.
Meanwhile, deep red Missouri is going for a twofer: tying a ban on trans medical care to an abortion ban.
Task Force Chief Development Officer Ryan Hurst said abortion bans failed so spectacularly in 2024 that Republicans are trying to find ways around a direct vote. Linking abortion to scare tactic issues like trans rights will, theoretically, help pass both.
A couple dozen activists attended the meeting, held at Gray Box Theater. Even though none of the measures are on Florida ballots, Hurst says Floridians should still pay attention.
“Our opposition is using these initiatives as test cases they are going to replicate in states around the country in 2028.”
The Task Force team says if these anti-trans measures fail or struggle this year, they will have a better chance of keeping them off more ballots in 2028.
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