SAIGE Position Statement on Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

As of May of 2024, more than 500 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation have been proposed in the United States.¹ This is a dramatic escalation from the already fraught statistics of the last several years, with 510 bills proposed in 2023 and 315 bills in 2022.² These pieces of legislation include threats to LGBTQ+ people by targeting access to accurate identification information, civil rights protections, freedom of speech and expression, affirming healthcare, public accommodations, access to schools and education, and other important issues that impact queer and trans communities across our country. These legislative attacks continue to primarily target transgender and gender expansive individuals.³ The Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) recognizes how necessary it is to protect the physical and mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals across this country. Legislation that allows and/or mandates discrimination toward queer and transgender individuals is recognized by our association to be harmful.

We at SAIGE acknowledge that systems of oppression, including harmful legislation, contribute to adverse mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.⁴ As counselors, we commit to nondiscrimination and the prevention of harassment and are committed to the well-being of these communities. Aligning with the American Counseling Association’s Nondiscrimination Position Statement,⁵ this commitment includes, but is not limited to, "access to learning environments that are free of discrimination, bullying, and harassment; access to restrooms and changing facilities that are safe and affirming for gender non-conforming youth and adults; and use of preferred names." SAIGE recognizes the negative psychological impact that anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has and encourages our members to act as advocates and allies in their communities. We stand in solidarity with those who are being targeted by this harmful legislation, and we stand in opposition to legislation that unfairly targets LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and medical and mental health professionals who work with these populations.

Written by the SAIGE Public Policy Committee and approved by the SAIGE Board. Endorsed by the ACA Governing Council (June 2024).