Over the last decade, we’ve watched ultra-conservative politicians target transgender Americans to score political wins. Hundreds of bills have been introduced nationwide restricting the rights of trans people—and now a similar playbook is being used here in Washington.
This November, we must defeat the two ballot measures bankrolled by Brian Heywood, a Republican mega-donor who has been working for years to impose his conservative ideology on our state.
Measure IL26-001 would weaken protections for student safety. If it passes, schools will be forced to out LGBTQ+ students to unsupportive families, parents under investigation for abuse can access confidential student records, and access to counseling and support for students facing bullying, violence, or depression will be restricted.
Measure IL26-638 would impose a statewide ban on trans girls in sports and could pressure schools to require invasive, medically unnecessary physical exams just for girls to participate in athletics. These requirements would fall hardest on rural, low-income, and Black and brown students who already face barriers to care.
The truth is, these measures are a distraction from the real issues facing Washington families.
These measures don’t lower housing costs. They don’t fix our childcare crisis. And they don’t make healthcare more affordable. They are designed to divide us—and to turn our schools and vulnerable kids into political battlegrounds.
Here in Washington, we have a choice to turn the tide.
If we defeat these measures, we won’t just protect our students. We’ll send a clear message nationwide: demonizing transgender kids for political gain is a losing strategy.
That’s why this fight matters.
Thank you for standing up for our kids.
Dr. Grace Shih
NO HATE in WA State is a campaign of Washington parents, medical professionals, teachers, students, and community members standing against ballot measures IL26-001 and IL26-638 that would endanger Washington students and hurt our schools.
Reject the hate, bullying, and harassment of our students. Join us today.
NO HATE in WA State
PO Box 21961
Seattle, WA 98111
United States