transgender athletes

A new Kansas law bans transgender girls from playing sports on girls' teams in schools and colleges. Opponents say that discriminating against transgender children was a solution to a problem that didn't exist, and the law ignores real fairness problems that female athletes face in Kansas.

Neither the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education nor the Missouri State High School Activities Association could say how they will enforce the state's restrictions on transgender athletes — one of the most controversial new laws approved by Missouri legislators this year.

The bill, signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson, bars most transgender minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Opponents cited a provision in the Missouri Constitution "that all persons are created equal and are entitled to equal rights and opportunity under the law."

Lawrence, Kansas, will defy the state’s new requirement to force people to use gender-specific areas, such as restrooms, that don't align with their gender identity. The unanimous vote comes just a few months after the Kansas City Council made a similar declaration.

New laws that went into effect this month in Kansas could have a significant impact on the lives of residents. But some may still face the scrutiny of a court challenge.

One law bans minors and incarcerated Missourians from accessing puberty blockers, hormones or gender-affirming surgeries — all treatments that are widely supported by mainstream medical groups. Those under 18 who have already begun treatment may continue their regimens. The second law prohibits transgender athletes from competing in sports that align with their gender identity.

Two openly gay lawmakers in Missouri look back on a legislative session that many regard as the most anti-LGBTQ in state history.

An expansive Kansas law limiting transgender rights takes effect this summer, and trans residents are bracing themselves. Plus: Despite the return of KCPD's Missing Person's Unit, community members are worried about how the department will handle the disappearance of Black women and girls.

Even after the demise of emergency rules restricting gender-affirming care for adults, transgender Missourians don’t believe the push to limit trans rights is over.

Under a recent anti-LGBTQ law passed by the Kansas Legislature, transgender residents will be prohibited from changing the sex on their driver’s licenses and other official documents. When the law takes effect July 1, lawyers and advocates say it could lead to harassment and discrimination.

Republican lawmakers have become laser focused on legislation affecting transgender Missourians. That reality is pushing some to flee with their families or send transgender teenagers to out-of-state universities. "There's no point in staying," one mother said. "I consider it dangerous here."

Both parties claimed successes in a state budget that increased spending on roads and education. But a great deal of time was spent on Republican efforts to restrict the rights of transgender residents, while other priorities never made it to a vote.