SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Jan. 21, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — A rally supporting transgender and LGBTQ+ communities held at the Utah State Capitol on Wednesday drew community members and allies to protest what organizers described as increasing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights in the state.
Of particular concern was House Bill 183, also known as the Sex Designation Amendments, proposed by Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Davis County. The bill aims to:
- Replace the term “gender” with “sex.” Sex is used as a biological term for chromosomal assignment at birth. Gender can be biological or cultural.
- Repeal provisions related to gender identity, including provisions related to housing, employment, and crime.
- Prohibit amendments to the sex designation field of a birth certificate.
- Amend provisions regarding student access to privacy spaces.
- Require agencies when making administrative rules to refer to biological sex using the term sex instead of gender.
- Prohibit local education agencies and certain providers licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services from assigning an employee who presents while working as a sex that is different from the individual’s biological sex duties that would require face-to-face and prolonged contact with a child.
- In child custody proceedings, require a court to view a parent’s non-support of a child’s gender identity that conflicts with the child’s biological sex as a factor to favor awarding custody to that parent.
Photo: Gephardt Daily/Romy Colvin
The rally, hosted by local organizer Veronica DaVil, got underway with participants gathering on the statehouse steps holding pride and trans flags and signs calling for equality, visibility, and protection under the law, before marching inside and throughout the Capitol, where speakers addressed concerns over restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, limitations placed on LGBTQ+ expression in public spaces, and broader policy efforts they say contribute to discrimination and marginalization.
The rally drew a crowd estimated at 200 or more.
Photo: Gephardt Daily/Romy Colvin
“For me, today’s rally was about visibility and urgency,” said David Torrey. “I went because the legislation being pushed right now directly impacts my life and the lives of trans and gender-diverse people in Utah. These bills aren’t abstract — they affect access to healthcare, bodily autonomy, safety, and the ability to exist openly.
“The targeted legislation is part of a broader pattern we’re seeing nationwide: laws framed as ‘protective’ that actually restrict gender-affirming care and push trans people further to the margins. Even when adults aren’t explicitly named, the impact is real and immediate.
“I showed up because silence isn’t neutral. Being present is a way of saying we’re paying attention, we understand what’s at stake, and we’re not backing down. The rally was about community, solidarity, and refusing to disappear.”
Photo: Gephardt Daily/Romy Colvin
Organizers said the rally was meant to send a clear message to state leaders that LGBTQ+ Utahns will continue to speak out as their rights come under scrutiny during the legislative session.
“I believe in people’s right to live however they want as long as they don’t hurt anyone,” Christopher N. said. “Just because some people find LGBTQ stuff ‘weird’ and confusing doesn’t give them a right to ban it. We all have to share this society.
“It’s also maddeningly obvious to any remotely intelligent and informed person that Republicans are stoking fear and prejudice against trans people for the same reason fascists always stoke fear and prejudice against marginalized groups, and that’s disgusting and unacceptable. Republicans need to mind their own business. Trans people are not a threat to women or children, but MAGA men are. Seems like I see one getting arrested for something every week.”
