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