In recent years, LGBTQIA+ Texans have faced mounting restrictions on their rights—limitations that extend beyond just the queer community and into the fundamental freedoms of all Texans. The fight to love freely, think independently, and live authentically is one that requires collective action from people across all walks of life.
   During the last legislative session, 96% of the 160 proposed bills were blocked by the work of the group at Equality Texas that sought to strip away rights from LGBTQIA+ Texans.
This victory was possible thanks to the dedication of advocates, allies, and community members who took a stand for equality. But the fight isn’t over. Continued vigilance and activism is needed to defend personal freedoms in the Lone Star State. Stay active and contact your legislators to make you voice and choices known as they approach their work representing YOU!
How Does a Bill Become Law?
Legislation follows a rigorous process before becoming law. Here’s how it unfolds:
1.    A bill is filed.
2.    It is referred to a House or Senate committee for review.
3.    The committee holds a hearing to discuss and debate the bill.
4.    If approved, the committee sends the bill to the full chamber (House or Senate).
5.    The bill undergoes a first floor vote, followed by a second floor vote.
6.    If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) and the process starts over.
7.    If approved by both chambers, the bill is sent to the Governor for signing into law.
Understanding this process is crucial for those looking to advocate for change. Every step provides an opportunity to engage, testify, and push back against harmful legislation. If a bill makes it to the opposite chamber from where it originated—such as a House bill being referred to a Senate committee—it’s further along in the process and requires even greater attention.
The road to justice is paved with action. By staying informed and involved, we can continue to push back against legislation that threatens the rights of LGBTQIA+ Texans and work toward a future where freedom truly belongs to all.

A warm afternoon at the Borderland Rainbow Center (BRC) brought together around 30
members of the transgender community, along with their families, friends, volunteers, and
staff, to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). This annual event is a time to
honor trans joy, resilience, and accomplishments while raising awareness about the
challenges the community continues to face.
A Celebration of Identity and Advocacy
Held at The Center—rather than its usual city park venue due to increasing anti-trans
rhetoric—this year’s event was designed as both a celebration and a form of resistance.
Activities included:
• Clothing Swap – Providing gender-a􀆯irming clothing to attendees.
• Protest as an Artform – A collaborative quilting project with @Transtexas.
• Poster Making Station – Creating signs for future protests and marches.
• Postcard Writing Station – Sending messages to Texas legislators, advocating for
trans rights.
• Eyelash Station – Drag Story Hour queens gave attendees a glamorous
transformation.
• Sip & Sashay – A fun cakewalk-style game with prizes, including Starbucks cups
from a generous donor.
• Face Painting & Nacho Bar – Free face painting by SapphicYarn and a delicious
meal provided by The Center’s Pantry Crew.
The Importance of Visibility
Each year on March 31, the world recognizes Transgender Day of Visibility to uplift trans
people and acknowledge the disproportionate struggles they face—poverty,
discrimination, and violence—compared to cisgender individuals. Created in 2010 by trans
advocate Rachel Crandall, TDOV was meant to counteract the media’s focus on violence
against trans people by celebrating their lives and contributions.
Yet, representation remains a challenge. Many Americans say they don’t personally know a
trans person, meaning much of their understanding is shaped by media portrayals—which
have historically been inaccurate, misleading, and harmful, as highlighted in the Netflix
documentary Disclosure. Major media outlets, including The New York Times, have failed
to include trans voices in their coverage, with 60% of its articles on anti-trans legislation
lacking trans perspectives, according to Media Matters. This exclusion fuels
misinformation and dehumanization.
Rising Challenges, Growing Resistance
The current political climate has intensified hostility toward trans people. In 2025 alone,
over 450 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced across the U.S., according to the ACLU.
Additionally, violence against trans individuals—especially Black trans women—remains
an epidemic, as declared by the American Medical Association since 2019.
However, exposure and representation continue to foster growing acceptance. Authentic
and diverse trans stories matter—not just in the fight against misinformation, but in
building a society that values and protects all identities. Events like TDOV and community
gatherings at places like The Borderland Rainbow Center remind us that trans joy is
resistance, and that visibility is both a celebration and a necessity.

In a significant ruling for LGBTQIA+ rights and free expression, a federal judge has temporarily blocked Texas A&M University System from enforcing its newly imposed drag show ban. The decision allows the university’s annual Draggieland event—a student-organized drag performance—to proceed as planned  across the 11 A&M System campuses in College Station.
Legal Battle Over Free Speech
  The Queer Empowerment Council (QEC), an LGBTQIA+ student group that has hosted Draggieland since 2020, sued Texas A&M after its Board of Regents passed a resolution banning drag performances on campus venues last month. The board justified its decision by citing executive orders from President Donald J. Trump and Governor Greg Abbott, which direct government agencies to restrict funding for events promoting “gender ideology.”
However, U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ruled that the university’s ban likely violates the First Amendment, stating:
   “Anyone who finds the performance or performers offensive has a simple remedy: don’t go.”
The Impact on LGBTQIA+ Expression
Draggieland, which has consistently sold out its 750-seat venue, is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture and artistic expression. Contestants perform in gender-nonconforming attire, answer questions about drag culture, and highlight issues facing the queer community.
Following the ruling, the Queer Empowerment Council - QEC expressed relief and joy, emphasizing the resilience of queer self-expression:
   “This is another display of the resilience of queer joy. While this fight isn’t over, we will celebrate by putting on the best show possible.”
A Broader Legal Trend
The fight over drag performances has become part of a larger national debate. In 2023, Texas passed Senate Bill 12, a law restricting drag performances, but a federal court later struck it down as unconstitutional. Meanwhile, in a separate case, a Texas judge upheld a university’s right to cancel a student drag show, arguing that such performances could violate anti-discrimination laws.
This ongoing legal battle underscores the growing tensions between state-imposed restrictions and LGBTQIA+ rights, making cases like Draggieland pivotal in the broader fight for artistic freedom and inclusivity on college campuses.
   With the University of Texas System also recently banning drag performances across its 14 institutions, the outcome of this case may influence future policies in higher education.
For now, students at Texas A&M are preparing to celebrate their victory—on stage, in full drag, and with an unwavering sense of pride.