The upcoming November election holds significant implications for LGBTQ+ individuals nationally, in Pennsylvania and in Chester County. While the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County does not endorse or oppose any candidates or parties for office, we feel it is important to educate our community about issues that may affect the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s an overview of what’s at stake for the LGBTQ+ community, ongoing legislative developments and how you can make an impact.

Project 2025

According to the ACLU, “Project 2025 is a federal policy agenda and blueprint for a radical restructuring of the executive branch authored and published by former Trump administration officials in partnership with The Heritage Foundation, a longstanding conservative think tank that opposes abortion and reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, immigrants’ rights, and racial equity. Project 2025’s largest publication, “Mandate For Leadership,” is a 900-page manual for reorganizing the entire federal government agency by agency to serve a conservative agenda.” Key policy points from Project 2025 include:

Reversing or weakening existing LGBTQ+ protections, including efforts to dismantle non-discrimination laws, restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare, and undermine rights related to marriage and family
New legislation that targets transgender individuals, restricts their participation in sports, and limits their access to public facilities aligned with their gender identity.
Influencing the appointment of judges who are likely to rule in favor of conservative interpretations of the law, which can affect how LGBTQ+ rights are adjudicated. This includes appointing judges to federal courts and state benches who may be less supportive of LGBTQ+ rights.
New laws and policies that could increase the likelihood of discrimination and marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people.
Rescinding of new LGBTQ+ Title IX protections and dropping ongoing discrimination investigations.

Current Legislative Landscape

We know that all of these changes to current protections are possible because of the amount of anti-LGBTQ legislation that has been introduced and/or passed at the state level throughout the country already. In 2024 alone, over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures. For example:

Several states, including Arkansas and Tennessee, have passed laws restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. These laws often ban hormone treatments, significantly impacting the well-being of transgender youth.
Some states, including Florida, have introduced or passed legislation requiring individuals to use public restrooms that correspond to their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender identity.
Several states, including Mississippi expanded religious exemptions that allow individuals and organizations to refuse services to LGBTQ+ people based on religious beliefs.

Pennsylvania is Not Immune

In 2023, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed an extension of the state’s anti-discrimination law to protect LGBTQ+ people. The Philadelphia Gay News shared, “The Fairness Act, which would grant statewide anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ people, passed the Pa. House of Representatives in a 102-98 vote. Two Republicans joined 100 Democrats in voting for the bill, HB300, which now heads to the State Senate. It is the first time the bill has passed either legislative chamber in 47 years.” But, the Fairness Act has not been signed into law because the PA State Senate has not even brought the legislation up for discussion due to the political majority of the chamber. Wouldn’t it be great to elect a General Assembly that would protect LGBTQ+ people like the governments in California, Michigan and Minnesota?

What Can You Do?

Keep up with developments related to Project 2025 and other legislative initiatives that impact LGBTQ+ rights. Understanding these issues helps in advocating effectively.
Engage with and support organizations like LGBT Equality Alliance that work with and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community
Engage in advocacy efforts, whether through contacting legislators, participating in rallies, or using social media to raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ rights. Stay tuned for details of our new Advocacy Committee coming soon.
Talk to your friends and family about what’s at stake and encourage them to vote. Share this blog with them directly or on social media as a way to open up the conversation.
Vote in local, state, and federal elections. PA has an election every year in spring and November. Supporting candidates who advocate for LGBTQ+ rights can help counteract negative impacts from initiatives like Project 2025.

Important Dates:
Deadline to register to vote: Monday, Oct. 21
Deadline to apply for a mail or absentee ballot: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Deadline to return mail or absentee ballot: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 (postmarks do not count)
General Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 am- 8 pm

For more information visit: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/vote.html

Written by Ronna Dewey, LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County board member at-large

A Landmark Achievement

August 18, 1920, marks a pivotal moment in American history: the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. This landmark achievement was the culmination of decades of tireless advocacy, protests, and civil disobedience by suffragists determined to secure equal voting rights for women. Figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul are often celebrated for their roles in this historic victory.

A Movement Marked by Exclusion

However, the story of the 19th Amendment is also a tale of exclusion and racial discrimination. While white suffragists fought for their rights, they often sidelined and marginalized Black women and other women of color. Prominent suffragists, including some of the movement's most iconic leaders, made strategic decisions to exclude Black women from the movement, fearing that their inclusion would alienate white supporters and politicians.

Black suffragists like Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary Church Terrell, and Sojourner Truth faced not only gender discrimination but also the pervasive racism of the time. Despite these barriers, they continued to fight for the right to vote, recognizing that their struggle was intertwined with the broader fight for racial justice.

The Reality of Jim Crow

Even after the 19th Amendment was ratified, many Black women in the South were effectively barred from voting due to Jim Crow laws, literacy tests, poll taxes, and violent intimidation. It wasn't until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that these discriminatory practices were significantly challenged, allowing more Black women to exercise their right to vote.

The Importance of Unity

Today, as we reflect on the history of the 19th Amendment, it's crucial to acknowledge both the achievements and the shortcomings of the suffrage movement. The exclusion of Black women from the movement's successes is a reminder of the importance of intersectionality in the fight for equality.

In the current climate, where women's rights are still under threat, unity among all women is more important than ever. Issues such as reproductive, voting and LGBTQ+ rights, gender pay gaps, domestic violence, and workplace discrimination affect women across all races and backgrounds. By coming together, acknowledging past wrongs, and working towards a more inclusive movement, we can ensure that the rights of all women are protected and advanced.

Moving Forward Together

The fight for women's rights is far from over, and the legacy of the 19th Amendment serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. It reminds us of the power of collective action and the necessity of inclusivity. To honor Black and white suffragists who came before us and to ensure a better future for the next generations, we must stand together, united in our diversity, and committed to justice for all.

As we celebrate the progress made, let us also recognize the work that remains. Let us commit to an inclusive and intersectional approach to women's rights, ensuring that no woman is left behind. By doing so, we honor the full spirit of the 19th Amendment and pave the way for a more equitable and just society.

Conclusion

The history of the 19th Amendment is a complex narrative of triumph and exclusion. As we honor this milestone, we must also commit to addressing the injustices that have persisted. By coming together and supporting each other, regardless of race or background, we can continue to fight for the rights and freedoms that all women deserve.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we can ensure that the hard-won rights of the past are not only preserved but expanded to include and uplift every woman.