Nevada LGBTQ+ advocates respond to trans rights setbacks at state and federal levels

Nevada’s LGBTQ+ community and allies are coming together to face legal and political challenges impacting transgender people across the state after Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed two bills affecting transgender Nevadan’s access to care, as well as the Supreme Court’s decision last week to uphold a law in Tennessee banning youth gender-affirming care.

Earlier this month, Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed SB171, also called the “Gender-Affirming Care Shield Law,” and SB141, a bill that would have provided basic protections and accommodations for incarcerated transgender individuals. The bill would have required the state jails to use “respectful language” and terminology, prohibit discrimination of prisoners who identify as transgender or non-binary, assign them to the jail that corresponds to their gender identity, and provide certain medications and health care. 

In his veto messages, Lombardo said SB171 was “well-intentioned” but that it had “a critical ambiguity” on what qualifies as “medically necessary.” On SB141, Lombardo argued that because federal law overseeing the corrections system is “potentially evolving” the bill could lead to the state losing access to vital federal funding. 

“It is more appropriate, especially considering potential revision to federal guidance, that Nevada’s local jails and detention centers retain their current decisional autonomy with respect to these policies,” Lombardo’s message said.  

Advocates, including Silver State Equality state director Andre C. Wade said the vetoes were a betrayal of Nevada values.

“These bills would have provided critical protections to transgender people seeking healthcare and to those in the criminal justice system,” Wade stated. “By vetoing them, the governor has failed to protect some of Nevada’s most vulnerable residents. But we will not back down.”

Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court ruled on United States v Skrmetti, a case that was filed last year after Tennessee implemented a law banning gender-affirming care for minors.

The SEIU Local 1107, Nevada NOW (a chapter of the National Organization for Women network, which focuses on women’s rights), Native Voters Alliance Nevada, and other advocates released statements condemning the Supreme Court’s decision and called it “politically motivated and medically harmful.” LGBTQ+ advocates noted that this decision can put transgender youth at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

“There’s no place for politics in a gender affirming medical care decision.” said Sue Burtch, executive director of Nevada NOW. “We should always respect the decisions made by the patient, their loved ones, and the physician. Transgender youth deserve the care they need to live their lives authentically.”

In response, organizations across Nevada are coming together by hosting community circles in Las Vegas and Reno, including one by the ACLU of Nevada, which aims to provide a safe space for transgender and LGBTQIA+ Nevadans to process, connect, and stand together.

“Nevada’s LGBTQ+ community will not be bullied, especially during Pride,” said Alice D’Amoureux of Trans Support Reno. “When we stand in solidarity and community, nothing can stop us from being proud and free.”

The ACLU of Nevada confirmed its commitment to defending state-level protections and fighting discriminatory policies.

“To members of our trans community, know that you are not in this alone,” said Athar Haseebullah, executive director of ACLU Nevada. “We will defend your liberty without pause.”