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The 1990s’ conservative strategy that brought us Amendment 2 comes back with a new target: trans rights. In the 2026 midterm elections, Colorado and four other states will vote on anti-trans ballot proposals funded by right-wing groups across the country—this time primarily targeting trans kids.

Kay, a 17-year-old transgender teen, is working on living as his full self against this backdrop of extreme political scrutiny. He and his family share how they’re navigating this contentious time, when much of the national discourse on trans people is rife with disinformation and fearmongering. Kae Petrin, co-founder of the Trans Journalists Association, helps us to correct the record when it comes to some of the claims you may have heard about gender affirming care for minors.

June Churchill, a trans candidate for Denver City Council, comments on the billionaire interests behind Colorado’s conservative ballot measures, and Rep. Brianna Titone warns that targeting trans Americans is only part of a larger political goal. Nadine Bridges, executive director of One Colorado, explains how she and other allied groups are fighting back.

Hate State is a production of Odd Bird Sound and Word and LOOKOUT News.

Our editors and executive producers are Carolina Murriel and Isis Madrid of Pizza Shark.

This episode was written and produced by Xandra McMahon, Ann Marie Awad, and Chris Fazzari.

Original music by Addison Rider with additional music from Epidemic Sound.

Our engineer is Patrick Mcnameeking.

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