Friday is International Trans Day of Visibility, an annual event that celebrates transgender people and raises awareness about the discrimination they face. It was created by Michigander Rachel Crandall Crocker in 2009.
Across the country, trans and queer youth are protesting legislative efforts attempting to prevent trans people from being legally recognized and from receiving gender-affirming care.
In Lansing, dozens of young people carrying pride flags and signs decrying anti-trans violence gathered at the Capitol lawn. Twenty-year-old Lansing resident Cameron Carmichael organized the protest.
“I have hopes that there will be protections for trans kids," they said. "I was transgender in high school, I know what they're going through. I know the pain. And I just hope that they can be protected in any single way."
The protest was part of a nationwide action organized by Queer Youth Assemble, a youth-led nonprofit aimed at bringing joy and autonomy to the queer and trans community.
Carmichael said they want Michigan legislators to pass laws to ensure school policies affirm students’ rights to be free from discrimination based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.
"We need laws and legislation to protect those kids and make it easier for them to be themselves," they said.
In Michigan, two anti-trans bills have been introduced this session. One would prevent trans kids from accessing school bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The other would classify gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth as child abuse.
It is unlikely either would pass under the Democratic-controlled legislature.