Indiana lawmakers are pushing forward a bill that would erase the legal recognition of transgender people in our state. Senate Bill 182 would redefine “gender” to mean only biological sex at birth, stripping transgender residents of their ability to change the gender marker on their birth certificates — a right many have relied on for years to live safely and authentically.

This bill goes even further. It would force schools to segregate bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight housing based on birth sex, outing and isolating trans students. It would force state prisons to assign housing based solely on birth sex, despite the well-documented risks this poses to transgender people behind bars. These are not just administrative changes — they are dangerous policies that put lives at risk.

Supporters claim this bill is about “safety” and “science.” But every major U.S. medical organization — from the American Medical Association to the American Psychiatric Association — recognizes that gender identity is real and affirms that gender-affirming care is best practice. This bill flies in the face of that consensus and replaces medical expertise with political ideology.

Parents of transgender youth have testified that their children are scared, isolated, and in some cases have had to leave the country to access basic care and safety. SB 182 will only make life harder for families already navigating an uphill battle. It doesn’t protect anyone — it causes harm, deepens stigma, and denies transgender people the dignity of legal recognition.

We call on the Indiana Senate to reject SB 182 and protect the rights and safety of all Hoosiers — not just some. Transgender people are part of our families, our schools, our communities. Their existence is not up for debate.

Tell your lawmakers: vote NO on SB 182. Stop this cruel and unnecessary bill before it becomes law.