Know Your Rights

This is a collection of laws and policies that pertain to trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people. This includes both discrimination law and legal gatekeeping.

The following is not legal advice. If you need immediate help with legal issues, please contact a qualified lawyer.

Information from transequality.org, which collects information on legal documents.

Protest, legal observers, and know your rights

Trans Law resources

  • Trans Law Help Wisconsin – A legal aid clinic staffed by volunteer attorneys providing assistance to the transgender community with corrected identity documents.
  • Transgender Law Center – A national trans-led organization advocating for people to define themselves and their futures.

Here’s what’s actually true – and what you can do if your rights are violated.

As of March 2026: Gender-affirming care remains legal for trans youth in Wisconsin.

Sources: Wisconsin Examiner · ACLU-WI (AB 104 / SB 157) · PBS Wisconsin

As of March 2026: Wisconsin has no statewide “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” curriculum ban.

Sources: ACLU-WI – Trans Students · GSAFE Wisconsin

MADISON

Madison protections

Madison’s Equal Opportunities Ordinance (Chapter 39) explicitly protects gender identity and gender expression in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Sources: City of Madison – Know Your Rights · Madison Chapter 39 (Municode) · File a complaint

DANE COUNTY

Dane County protections

Dane County passed a trans sanctuary resolution (June 2023), including county-level commitments around enforcement priorities and anti-discrimination in county housing and employment.

Important: this is a policy commitment, not a state statute, and does not override state law.

Sources: Dane County press release · Cap Times · Wisconsin Equality Map – Dane County

WISCONSIN

Wisconsin statewide protections

Workplace discrimination: In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court held that discrimination by gender identity is sex discrimination under Title VII. Gender identity and expression are not yet named as protected classes under statewide Wisconsin law.

Hate crime: Gender identity and expression are not included in Wisconsin hate crime law 939.695(1)(b).

Trans panic defense: Legal in Wisconsin.

Birth certificate: Requires court-ordered name and sex change under 69.15(1a).

Driver’s license: Requires doctor confirmation of appropriate treatment for gender change or other proof.

Sources: Wisconsin ERD · WI State Law Library · Milwaukee Public Library (1982 law)

FEDERAL

Federal protections

In Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), the U.S. Supreme Court held that discrimination against transgender people is sex discrimination under Title VII (employment, generally 15+ employees).

Social Security Administration: Name and gender changes require documentation. See Name Change and Gender Change.

US Passport: Proof of gender has changed over time, and policy can shift by administration. Current State Department guidance: Selecting your Gender Marker.

Sources: Bostock (Oyez) · ACLU of Wisconsin · Fair Wisconsin

Legal help and advocacy resources

Additional external sources

Direct action and organizing

Fair Wisconsin legal resources: fairwisconsin.com/legal-resources

Additional healthcare and support reference: Planned Parenthood Wisconsin – Wisconsin & national trans+ resource list

Identity documents and federal admin references (NCTE)

Because legal and policy implementation can change quickly, cross-check with these living references before filing or relying on older instructions:

Source: National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) document reference pages.

Legislative guidance (Wisconsin)

For rapidly changing bill status and advocacy action guidance, track Fair Wisconsin’s legislative pages:

Last updated: 2026-03-02 15:56 UTC. Policies and agency guidance can change rapidly; verify before acting. This page is informational and not legal advice.