Texas House Approves Bill That Would Effectively Erase Trans Identities

On Monday, the Texas House approved H.B. 229, a measure that mandates state agencies to define an individual’s sex strictly based on biological characteristics at birth. This bill requires governmental entities to identify individuals as either male or female according to their original birth certificates, disregarding any legal changes made to reflect a person’s gender identity. The bill attempts to define both female and woman as “an individual whose biological reproductive system is developed to produce ova” and both male and man as “an individual whose biological reproductive system is developed to fertilize the ova of a female.” However, medical experts acknowledge various gender identities, including those that fall outside the traditional binary of male and female. They recognize that gender identity is a spectrum, and individuals may identify as transgender, non-binary, genderfluid, or with other gender expressions.

The bill also declares that men are “bigger, stronger, and faster” than women.

[image or embed] — LGBTQ Nation (@lgbtqnation.com) May 12, 2025 at 7:45 AM

The legislation also includes a series of statements about males versus females, including that males are “bigger, stronger, and faster.” The legislation passed 86-36 and will now head to the Republican-controlled state Senate, where it will likely be approved. H.B. 229 has been criticized by LGBTQ+ advocates as an attempt to legally erase transgender identities. By enforcing rigid definitions of sex, the bill excludes nonbinary and transgender individuals from official recognition, potentially impacting their access to appropriate healthcare, legal documentation, and public services. Critics argue that this legislation reflects a broader pattern of anti-transgender bias within the state, as it undermines the rights and identities of transgender Texans.

Transgender and intersex Texans deserve love, respect, healthcare, and dignity. HB 229 is designed to scapegoat our LGBTQIA+ siblings and blame them for the struggles working families face every day. I will never stop fighting for a Texas where every person can live the life they deserve. #txlege

[image or embed] — Rep. Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos (@anamariafortexas.com) May 10, 2025 at 7:44 PM