LGBTQIA+ Monthly Brief
September 2025
Standing Together in a Challenging Month
This September brought significant policy shifts and headlines affecting LGBTQIA+ communities across the country. From new state laws to federal court cases, and from healthcare challenges to local Pride celebrations, here’s what you need to know — and how you can take action.
Key Developments at a Glance
- Texas enacted a statewide bathroom restriction covering public buildings, schools, and prisons, sparking immediate legal challenges.
- Federal policy fights intensified, including a pending Supreme Court case over passport gender markers and a bipartisan push to restore LGBTQ-specific crisis services to 988.
- Healthcare access remains unstable as some hospital systems limit gender-affirming care for minors despite state protections.
Top Stories
Texas Passes “Women’s Privacy Act” (SB 8)
Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law imposing broad bathroom restrictions with steep fines for institutions that don’t comply. Civil rights groups are preparing constitutional challenges and warning about the impact on safety and privacy.
Revival of 988 LGBTQ+ Crisis Services
A bipartisan bill aims to restore specialized LGBTQ+ support within the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, after those services were cut in July. The Trevor Project and other advocates are urging swift passage to protect at-risk youth.
Passports & Gender Markers Head to SCOTUS
The administration asked the Supreme Court to allow enforcement of a rule tying passport sex markers to birth certificates, challenging lower-court rulings that had expanded “X” markers and self-identification options.
Courts & Sports
A federal appeals court reinstated Mid Vermont Christian School’s participation in state athletics after it forfeited a girls’ basketball game against a team with a trans player. More litigation on trans athletes’ participation is expected nationwide.
Policy and Legal Snapshot
- Federal workers’ health plans could see new restrictions on gender-affirming care.
- State legislatures continue introducing anti-LGBTQ bills — check the ACLU tracker for the latest.
- Youth care bans and lawsuits remain fluid; KFF maintains a live map showing each state’s status.
Health and Community
Some health systems have paused puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors even where legal. In Michigan, the Attorney General reaffirmed that gender-affirming care remains legal, highlighting a growing tension between hospital policies and state law.
Meanwhile, advocates in Georgia and beyond are calling attention to delayed federal grants meant to support underrepresented groups, including LGBTQIA programs.
Pride and Events in Georgia
Atlanta Pride 2025 is almost here! The festival runs October 11–12 at Piedmont Park, with the parade stepping off Sunday, October 12 at noon from Civic Center MARTA. Mark your calendars, plan your MARTA route, and consider volunteering to keep Pride running smoothly.
How You Can Take Action This Week
- Know your documentation rights — keep an eye on the passport gender marker case before traveling.
- Save and share 988 — ask Congress to support restoring LGBTQ-specialized services.
- Track your state’s legislation — use ACLU and KFF tools to contact your representatives.
- Show up for Atlanta Pride — volunteer, carpool, or host a hydration station.
By the Numbers
1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth seriously consider suicide each year, underscoring the importance of dedicated crisis support within 988.
Support Heart of North Georgia Pride
Your donations help us provide resources, advocacy, and events for LGBTQIA+ people in our region.
Click here to donate and help us keep Pride strong in North Georgia.
Leave a Reply