OutNebraska
Abbi Swatsworth
Executive Director
Abbi@outnebraska.org
All ages sports and facilities ban advances to final round, OutNebraska Responds
LINCOLN, Neb. – In response to today’s vote on LB 89, OutNebraska Executive Director Abbi Swatsworth issued the following statement:
We are disappointed by the advancement of LB 89, an all-ages sports and facilities ban that will affect everyone—but especially transgender Nebraskans. At its core, this bill is harmful and disregards the rights and dignity of transgender and gender-diverse people.
We acknowledge the amendment that reduced some of the bill’s harm. However, it is important to emphasize that any harm to transgender Nebraskans is harm to all of us. LB 89 establishes a narrow legal definition of sex that directly targets an already vulnerable community. It also opens the door to further discrimination and uncertainty for the trans community.
As we strive for a more inclusive Nebraska, we must also recognize the work still ahead. This includes fulfilling our civic duty by voting and holding both our communities and elected officials accountable. Building a stronger Nebraska will take all of us—and this journey is far from over.
We have built a strong coalition of partner organizations, community advocates, and impacted people who worked tirelessly to defeat the bill. We extend our sincere thanks to each of you. As we continue this work into the next round of debate.
We stand with you today, tomorrow and in the future as we continue the fight for a better Nebraska. OutNebraska remains committed to affirming the dignity and humanity of all Nebraskans, especially trans and gender-diverse individuals.
We know how harmful this process has been for our community, particularly transgender Nebraskans. We see you, we hear you and we are with you.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out:
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
OutNebraska is a nonpartisan organization working to empower, celebrate and grow LGBTQ+ communities in Nebraska. For more information, visit outnebraska.org.