Over 140 celebrities have signed a letter to Texas lawmakers opposing an anti-transgender bill that would prevent people from using the bathroom that reflects their gender identity.
Members of the creative community including Britney Spears, Jennifer Lawrence, Ariana Grande, Sting, Janelle Monae, Laverne Cox and Lady Gaga have signed their name to the letter urging legislators to “end the needless targeting of LGBTQ people in Texas”.
"Texas Senate Bill 6 and House Bill 1362 would criminalise and restrict the simple act of a transgender person using the restroom that aligns with their gender identity – a denial of basic human dignity," the letter reads.
Circulated by The Ally Coalition, GLAAD and Equality Texas, the letter goes on to say that the transgender and gender non-conforming community already face bullying and harassment and “should not be punished for living honestly and openly”.
"It is up to you whether these bills will become law and we are watching," it states. “It is up to us to commit to doing everything within our power to make sure all of our fans, crews and fellow artists feel safe and welcome wherever we go."
Artists such as Bruce Springsteen shows in North Carolina “in solidarity” following the introduction of the state’s own ‘bathroom bill’ in 2016. It's expected that a number of touring musicians would follow suit in Texas if the state passes the bill.
The letter also drew attention to additional anti-LGBT legislation that Texas is considering. Bills that would force teachers to ‘out’ gay students to their parents and strip cities of non-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community.
“Bills like these are poison, a barrier between Texas and its future," the letter warns.
You can read the letter in full below:
Source: https://www.txtogether.org/
