For a few years now, whether we’ve noticed it or not, gender has become a test to pass or fail.

Since 2021, at least 177 anti-transgender bills have become law in states across the country, according to the Trans Legislation Tracker. The bills largely aim to keep trans girls out of school sports, support misgendering in schools or prevent doctors from treating gender dysphoria in youth through gender-affirming care. 

But no bill works as a scalpel; we are all taking this new gender test. How are cisgender women of color being harmed by anti-trans rhetoric in sports? Is anti-trans rhetoric making it harder for low-income girls to access free menstrual products at school? Does it threaten to make jury pools less diverse?