LGBTQ advocacy group issues first-ever national state of emergency

Drag artist Vidalia Anne Gentry speaks during a news conference held by the Human Rights Campaign to draw attention to anti-drag bills in the Tennessee legislature, on Feb. 14, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. With Tennessee's new law placing strict limits on drag shows temporarily on hold, organizers of the Midsouth Pride festival in Memphis have booked more than 50 drag entertainers, a record number for June's long-running event. (John Amis/AP Images for Human Rights Campaign, File)

The Human Rights Campaign is the nation’s largest advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans and has been advocating for their rights since 1980, but they say the level of violent rhetoric and number of discriminatory laws being passed in the past year has made this unprecedented warning necessary.

“LGBTQ+ Americans are living in a state of emergency. The multiplying threats facing millions in our community are not just perceived — they are real, tangible and dangerous,” said HRC president Kelley Robinson.

The organization declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. on Tuesday and released a guidebook pointing to laws it deems discriminatory in each state, along with “know your rights” information and resources to help people relocate to states with stronger LGBTQ+ protections.