A 2025 Update from 603 Equality.
This new year came with a new administration that has left many of us fearful, angry, and vulnerable. While there is so much uncertainty in the legislative world, 603 Equality is constantly thinking about how to prevent the most harm in the short term and move toward a long-term vision outlined in our mission.
What has 603 Equality been up to?
With two new members added to the board, 603 Equality has been working with many community partners to begin advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
School Board Support: Recently, we were present at a school board meeting aimed at passing a policy that will comply with HB 1312—a bill Governor Sununu signed into law last summer that, in summary, allows school districts to withhold sensitive information like a student’s LGBTQ+ status if the disclosure would result in abuse, abandonment, or neglect. After testimony was heard, this policy was passed favorably! Special thanks to our board member, Pasha, who attended and testified at this session.
Defending LGBTQ+ Rights Call: 603 Equality is teaming up with the ACLU-NH, NH Outright, and NH Youth Movement to host a Defending LGBTQ+ Rights Call on Wednesday, February 12th from 6:00pm-7:30pm on Zoom. In this virtual space, we’ll discuss ways to communicate and organize to defend trans rights in and outside of the State House. We plan to make this a monthly series that builds upon the previous month.
You can RSVP by clicking here.
Storytelling Project: Our stories are some of the most powerful tools we have to prevent harm and create a better world. Knowing that, we are excited to announce an upcoming project asking transgender and nonbinary people from four key areas in the state to tell their stories of belonging in schools, accessing healthcare, and more. The overall goal of this project is to increase public support for trans freedom and safety and strengthen community connections.
We will be holding a Storytelling Launch Meeting on Wednesday, March 5th from 6:30pm-8:00pm on Zoom. In this meeting, we’ll talk more about the multi-area vision for this project, how this project might vary based on area, discuss stipends for things like food and childcare, and connect people in each area to start the work.
At this time, we are specifically looking for those who live or work in the following areas: Manchester, Seacoast, North Country, and Off Route 89 (Bradford, New London, Newbury, Springfield, Sutton, Warner, and Wilmot.)
You can RSVP by clicking here.
The State Legislature, So Far
As expected, this legislative session has introduced a variety of bills that target the transgender community, particularly transgender youth. Below, you will find the proposed bills 603 Equality is currently tracking, what they mean, any hearing information, and our position on them. You can submit online testimony for the Senate here and House here.
| Bill number | What it means | Hearing information | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
|
This bill invites more trans discrimination in places like bathrooms, sports, and prisons.
|
Wednesday, 02/19/2025 at 9:00 am - House Judiciary Committee
|
Oppose | |
|
“Parental Bill of Rights” - This bill will require forced outing and the censorship of school curricula.
|
Tuesday, 02/18/2025 01:00 pm - House Children and Family Law Committee
|
Oppose | |
|
These bills roll back anti-discrimination laws, allowing discrimination against transgender people in bathrooms, sports, and prisons.
|
02/13/2025, Room 100, SH, 02:30 pm & 02:45 pm - Senate Judiciary Committee | Oppose | |
|
This bill requires school district employees to respond to written inquiries by parents relating to their child, including gender and/or sexuality.
|
No hearing is currently scheduled.
|
Oppose | |
|
This bill places a ban on puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy for transgender and nonbinary youth.
|
No hearing is currently scheduled. | Oppose | |
|
This bill places a ban on top surgery for transgender and nonbinary youth.
|
No hearing is currently scheduled. | Oppose | |
| HB 324-FN |
This is a book ban.
|
No hearing is currently scheduled. | Oppose |
