Pro-Trans Legal Precedent and Perspectives on Policies Affecting Transgender Youth (Poster 21)

Abstract

Over the last several years, many bills have been proposed to restrict the rights of transgender youth. While the work to address public narratives directly is important for protecting those rights, research also suggests a role for existing laws to affect those perspectives. This study assesses whether being presented with pro-transgender legal precedent influences opinions on policies affecting transgender youth. Preliminary evidence identifies a modest positive effect of legal precedent information on individuals' attitudes. We also identify that this effect varies across individuals. These results have important implications for the role of legal activism in cultural change as well as the potential for educational opportunities in cultural movements aimed at raising support for the rights of transgender youth.