Legal Initiatives | Rainbow Youth Projec

Legal & Legislative Initiatives

Our Legal & Legislative Initiatives team is committed to offering free legal representation to 2SLGBTQ+ youth and adults across the United States. We handle a variety of discrimination claims and actively monitor local, state, and federal legislation that impacts the 2SLGBTQ+ community. In recent months, we've observed a troubling increase in legislation aimed at restricting, and even prohibiting, the rights of the community at various levels in many states. This includes policies and regulations pushed by state medical boards, school administrations, and library oversight committees that negatively impact the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus on our transgender siblings.

As of August 1, 2025, a staggering 84% of 2SLGBTQ+ young people who reach out to our crisis resource hotline report experiencing bullying in school. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support and legal protections for these vulnerable youth. With fluctuating laws that often strip away essential protections, our legal team is committed to safeguarding the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ students.

Legal Support for a Safer Future

Our organization provides no-cost legal representation to young people and their families, striving to ensure that schools are safe and respectful spaces, free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and assault. By advocating for these students, we aim to create a learning environment where every child can thrive without fear of prejudice or violence.

Landmark Legal Victories

The Rainbow Youth Project has achieved significant success in litigation against various boards of education and school administrations across the United States. One of our notable achievements includes our involvement in the case of People of State of California v. Chino Valley Unified School District. In this landmark case, we provided significant assistance to California Attorney General Rob Bonta in challenging the administration's forced outing policy, which required disclosure of a student's LGBTQ+ identity without their consent.

The SAFETY Act: A New Era for Student Rights

Our efforts did not stop in the courtroom. We also worked hand in hand with our partner organization, Our Schools USA, and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus to help ensure the passing the SAFETY Act (Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today's Youth Act). Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on July 15, 2024, this groundbreaking legislation is the first of its kind in the nation.

The SAFETY Act empowers educators with the discretion to decide if and when to inform parents of a child's LGBTQ+ identity, while prohibiting any mandate for disclosure. This law represents a significant step forward in protecting the privacy and rights of LGBTQ+ students, ensuring that their identities are respected and safeguarded.

Ongoing Commitment and Future Goals

Our commitment to the 2SLGBTQ+ community remains steadfast. We continue to monitor legal developments, advocate for policy changes, and offer our support to youth in need. By standing together, we can create a future where every young person, regardless of their identity, can pursue their education in a safe and inclusive environment.

Anti-Trans Bills

These legislative measures target transgender and nonbinary individuals for discrimination. They include actions such as:

Barring or criminalizing healthcare access for trans youth
Restricting access to appropriate facilities, like restrooms
Limiting trans students' ability to fully participate in school and sports
Allowing religiously motivated discrimination against trans people
Complicating the process for obtaining identification documents with their correct name and gender

Bills Pre-Empting Local Protections

Certain bills are designed to prevent cities and other local government entities from enacting nondiscrimination protections that are more comprehensive than those at the state level. This includes protections for LGBTQ people.

Transgender Violence

Transgender and gender-expansive individuals face a disproportionately high risk of physical and sexual violence. Motivated by hate or fear, this violence often stems from a lack of understanding and acceptance. It can be perpetrated by loved ones, family and friends, or strangers and can occur in various settings, including the home, school, workplace, or on the street.

Workplace Discrimination

Approximately 26% of transgender and gender-expansive adults report being fired due to their identity. As a result of extreme job discrimination, some individuals may resort to sex work as a last option, which significantly increases their risk of physical and sexual violence. It is essential to know your rights as an employee.

To learn more about our program or to determine if you are eligible for assistance from our legal team, please send an email to Admin@RainbowYouthProject.org. Be sure to include your name, telephone number, mailing address, and a brief description of your circumstances in the email.