Self-care note: While some of the following stories celebrate and affirm LGBTQ+ people, many cover legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans and nonbinary youth. Please be kind to yourself and use your discretion while reading this section. Advisory: State news is representative but not exhaustive due to space constraints; feel free to forward news about your state to advocacy@pflag.org to consider for inclusion. Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in K-12 schools quadrupled in states with anti-LGBTQ+ education laws. A Washington Post analysis of FBI data on anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes taking place in K-12 schools and on college campuses, published on March 12, found that anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes more than doubled across the country in recent years. However, this rise in school hate crimes was more pronounced in the 28 states that have enacted anti-LGBTQ+ policies including restricting LGBTQ+ students' self-expression and limiting how teachers can talk about gender and sexuality in school - more than tripling on K-12 and college campuses and more than quadrupling in K-12 schools alone. California - UC Santa Barbara marks 50th anniversary of the death of provost ousted during “Lavender Scare.” March 28th will be the 50th anniversary of Clark George Kuebler’s death. Mr. Kuebler was accused of being gay and forced to resign as provost in 1955 as part of the broader “Lavender Scare,” during which LGBTQ+ government workers, University officials, and others were harassed and often fired from their jobs. Georgia - Legislators seek total ban on medically necessary care for trans and non-binary youth. Last year, legislators passed a law banning most gender-affirming care for trans and non-binary youth. However, on March 11th, the Senate advanced HB 1170, which would take away a carve out in last year’s law allowing those who were already receiving gender-affirming care to continue to get that care, ending the last remaining pathway for trans and non-binary youth to access medically necessary care in the state. Kansas - Court rules state can refuse to update gender markers on driver’s licenses. State District Judge Teresa Watson ruled on March 11th that the state constitution does not compel Kansas to recognize gender identity on driver’s licenses. Minnesota - Bills aim to create more inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ students. One bill would bar schools from banning Pride flags, another would require school districts to adopt gender-inclusive policies for extracurricular activities, and another would provide funding to nonprofits that help families seeking refuge from anti-LGBTQ+ laws to relocate to Minnesota. Mississippi - State House passes anti-trans erasure bill. The House passed a bill on March 13th which would define sex narrowly to be binary and immutable, essentially barring state recognition of trans, non-binary, and intersex Mississippians. Nebraska - Gov. Pillen approves rules restricting access to medically necessary care for trans and non-binary youth. On March 12th, Governor Pillen approved rules proposed by the state health department which impose a number of restrictions for trans and non-binary youth seeking care in the state, including requiring a minimum of 40 hours of therapy before receiving any medications. Texas - Superintendent suspended after transgender student removed from a high school production of "Oklahoma!" The Sherman Independent School District School Board of Trustees voted on March 8th to suspend Superintendent Tyson Bennett. The decision was related to an investigation into a trans student's removal from his role in “Oklahoma!” The student was reinstated in his role after public outcry over his removal. Wisconsin - In last day of session, legislators pass anti-LGBTQ+ bills. On March 12th, likely the last day of regular session for the legislature, the Senate passed dozens of bills, including an anti-trans athlete ban and a gender-affirming care ban. Governor Tony Evers has promised to veto both bills. | 
