Join us for the Equality Rally
Come to Legislative Coffee Hour and join the rally outside to protest against HB 1250 or go inside and speak with your lawmakers!
South Dakota lawmakers are pushing House Bill 1259 —a discriminatory bill that bans transgender students from using bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations that match their gender identity. This bill criminalizes trans people for simply existing in public spaces and is a direct attempt to erase trans students from schools, extending to buildings and facilities owned or leased by the state or political subdivisions of the state.
Saturday
Feb. 22nd
In a city near you!
Find Legislative Coffees and Cracker Barrels happening in your area, here.
SIOUX FALLS
Sioux Falls Area Legislative Coffee
When: 9am Rally, 10am Legislative Coffee
Where: HUB Auditorium at Southeast Technical College, 2001 N. Career Ave., Sioux Falls
Host: Sioux Falls League of Women Voter
Details: Legislators from Districts 13 & 15 have been invited to participate in a moderated Question & Answer session with constituents. There will be coffee and water in the lobby available at 9:30 a.m. You may submit questions on-site or by emailing SiouxFallsLWV@gmail.com
HURON
Legislative Cracker Barrel
When: 9 am, Feb. 22
Where: Huron City Hall
Host: AARP, South Dakota Farmers Union and Huron Chamber and Visitors Bureau
RAPID CITY
When: 12 noon
Where: Main Street Square, Rapid City
Here’s What Else You need to Know about
HB 1259
What HB 1259 does:
Forces public schools to segregate all multi-occupancy restrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping arrangements strictly by assigned sex at birth.
Makes it illegal for transgender students to use restrooms or locker rooms that match their gender identity.
Allows students to be penalized for using facilities that align with their identity, even if they have socially or medically transitioned.
Criminalizes transgender people who "refuse to leave" facilities that align with their gender identity, making it a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Treats being transgender as a violation of the law instead of recognizing the humanity and dignity of trans individuals.
What this means:
HB 1259 isolates and endangers transgender students, making schools less safe.
It forces trans students into humiliating situations, increasing harassment and discrimination.
It does nothing to improve school safety or protect students—it only polices gender identity and punishes trans youth.
It fuels harmful rhetoric and emboldens discrimination, further marginalizing LGBTQ+ students
HB 1259 is a direct attack on the dignity and rights of the transgender community. We demand South Dakota lawmakers reject this hateful bill and stand for equality, inclusion, and safety in schools and in buildings across our state.
Looking for a softer form of activism on Saturday?
Come to the Craftivism Knit-Along for a day of crafting and community!
10am -3pm
Prism Community Center
500 N. Western Ave. #300 Sioux Falls
We’re making winter gear—hats, gloves, and scarves—to spread warmth and love this season to the transgender and gender-nonconforming folks in our community! Yarn is provided—no need to bring your own! Bring your own tools if you can (we have a limited supply). We'll teach newcomers! Cross stitch is welcome! Enjoy snacks and coffee while you craft!
We have a Saturday full of activism ahead! We’ll see you