Protecting the LGBTQ Community

The scapegoating of the LGBTQ community and especially of trans and non-binary people in service of the rapid dismantling of democracy has increased exponentially over the last few years.

Let us be clear. No executive action can change the law or the constitution. And no order or law will erase trans people from existence. Beyond deserving to live, trans kids and adults deserve to thrive.

My office would like to be a resource for the LGBTQ community, trans children, and their families. If you or anyone you know is looking for help, please contact one of my offices. We would be honored to serve you, regardless of where you live in Pennsylvania.

Legislation I’m Working On

• Protecting LGBTQ Students from Discrimination: Would require that any school that receives funding through the Educational Improvement or Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credits (EITC & OSTC) have a written policy of non-discrimination against LGBTQ+ students.
• Name Change Legislation Package: Since first introducing these bills in 2022, the scapegoating of trans and non-binary people in service of the rapid dismantling of democracy has increased exponentially. Let us be clear. No executive action can change the law or the constitution. And no order or law will erase trans people from existence. Beyond deserving to live, trans kids and adults deserve to thrive. Transgender people have the right to live freely and safely – and that includes having legal documents that reflect their authentic selves. The bills in this package are intended to make that a little easier.
  • Removal of Sex from Birth Certificates: Would remove sex from PA birth certificates, preventing many problems transgender individuals face by having a different gender identity on this foundational document.
  • Navigating Pennsylvania’s Current Name Change Process: Would require the PA Human Relations Commission provide accurate, publicly available information detailing the current name change process and its required steps in a widely available, accessible format. Would also identify a dedicated and safe point of contact to help individuals navigate the process and require training so that all staff, judges, and administrators involved in the name change process are knowledgeable, competent, and affirming.
  • Grants to LGBTQ+ Community Organizations: Would create a grant program for organizations, county governments, and municipal governments that assist transgender individuals in navigating the process of changing their names.
  • Administrative Name Change Reform: Would replace the antiquated judicial name change process here in PA with a simpler, more streamlined, and largely administrative process. The current process for legally changing one’s name is expensive, time-consuming, and fraught with danger for members of Pennsylvania’s transgender community.
  • Removing Publication Requirements for Name Changes: Would make the legal name change process more affordable and create privacy protections by removing the requirements for publishing the name change and mandating the sealing of court records from the outset of the proceedings.

Previous Legislation:

2023-24 Session
SB 554, Protecting LGBTQ Students from Discrimination

2021-22 Session

2019-20 Session