Kate Anthony began. In the Lone Star State.
In the year It was there that she launched her app Euphoria in 2019, seeking to provide information and resources on gender mainstreaming. She knew the stakes would be high, and when the state enacted anti-trans laws, she and her company were forced to flee.
Settling in Denver, Anthony made plans for what to do next. As the fight for trans rights continues, she decides to continue business as usual. She is not alone in this decision. Many applications, if not all, of the trans community are vulnerable, under fire and seemingly unstoppable.
TechCrunch conducted a vibe check to see how trans entrepreneurs serving their communities are navigating this moment. The Human Rights Campaign told TechCrunch that lawmakers in state houses have introduced 344 anti-LGBTQ+ bills this session, more than 140 of which specifically target the trans community.
“We will not allow these anti-trans people to bully us into providing information.” Aydian Dowling, Founder, Track
These proposed restrictions range from an Alabama bill seeking to deny medical care to trans students in Iowa and Alaska from participating in sports. Louisiana introduced a bill that would bar medical professionals from providing translation-related care to minors, and Florida now bans gender-affirming care under Medicaid.
Anthony says it’s inevitable that her company will one day be sued by someone or some state. Other founders have said they are closely watching the court system, with some rethinking strategies for consumer privacy and employee benefits. And support for the startup and startup community is better late than never—it’s a critical time to protect trans founders.
