For immediate release
October 6, 2026
NATIONAL – Today Transgender Law Center (TLC) launches their Dads Let Them Shine campaign, which calls on dads and families everywhere to make it clear that all kids, including trans kids, belong. This campaign originated after exit polling in 2024 revealed dads were the demographic sliding the most in their support for trans rights. Since then, TLC has conducted focus groups and surveys, primarily with BIPOC dads, to better understand their relationship to fatherhood, family, and transgender people.
“For many of us, our dads were the first people in our lives who made us feel like we could be the best and brightest version of ourselves,” said Anna Castro (they/them), Principal Narrative Strategist. “Our research shows that dads are fiercely proud of their kids and see right through how certain politicians and billionaires are trying to keep us stressed, separated, and strapped for cash to support our families. We know that dads can be active participants in shaping a future where all young people, trans or not, can shine as their authentic selves.”
The Dads Let Them Shine campaign consists of new publicly available research, a $100,000 ad buy, merchandise, and a toolkit for dads to take action in their communities. The ad will run in English and Spanish to reach sports dads and sports-loving Gen Z men living in states with a National Women’s Soccer League team.
“Every young person deserves to be treated with respect no matter who they are,” said Shelby Chestnut (they/he), Executive Director. “We know that villainizing trans people is part of a calculated political ploy to distract us from the real problems facing every day people. This campaign is part of our commitment to making sure all youth, including transgender youth, know they are seen, that they belong, and that they deserve to play the sports they love.”
As part of the campaign, over the next few weeks TLC will harness the excitement and cultural power of women’s sports through public activations in Denver and Minneapolis. We will invite people nationwide to join us on and around October 17 to demonstrate the breadth of support for trans athletes and to affirm the simple truth that trans people belong everywhere, including in sports.
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Contact
Sara Mar, Senior Media Relations Manager, Transgender Law Center, [email protected]