In states where Republicans now claim the governor’s seat and both legislative chambers—about half the country—social conservatives have gotten off to a quick start introducing anti-LGBTQ legislation. Ashley Dejean writes:

"We are seeing them already in an impressive number of states given how early in the legislative session it is," says Cathryn Oakley, senior legislative counsel for the Human Rights Campaign, though she adds that "some at this point are still rumored." By HRC's estimate, at least 40 anti-LGBT proposals have already been introduced for the legislative sessions this year.

Some the measures are modeled after North Carolina's disastrous HB2 "bathroom bill" prohibiting trans individuals from using restrooms consistent with their gender. Others are horrifying attempts at violating the privacy of transgender students.

Other proposals would force schools to out transgender students to their parents, something advocates find particularly troubling. Up to 40 percent of homeless youth are LGBT. Whether their parents accept their gender identity has a significant impact on the mental health outcomes of young transgender people. "It risks their long-term health care outcomes and economic future by endangering their ability to protect their own privacy and move safely through the world," explains Sasha Buchert with the Transgender Law Center.

This is life and death stuff, folks, no joke. Naturally, social conservatives don’t care whom they harm en route to their misguided goals. Mother Jones has a state-by-state listing of horribles but, per usual, Texas is really outdoing itself.