By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Texas authorities have compiled a list of over 100 transgender individuals, raising concerns about privacy and potential misuse of the information. The state began collecting this data in August 2024, when the Attorney General changed the rules for updating gender markers on driver’s licenses, forwarding the information of those denied marker changes to an internal email address. Despite requests, officials have refused to explain the list’s purpose, but historical precedents suggest the collection of such data could be harmful. This action follows previous attempts to gather similar information and comes amid anti-transgender legislation in Texas.
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Texas still won’t explain why it’s making a list of trans people. This is the crux of the fear rippling through the trans community right now. The silence from state officials, the lack of a clear rationale for collecting this data, is arguably more terrifying than any specific action they might take. It leaves room for the imagination to run wild, and given the context – the anti-trans rhetoric, the history of discrimination, and the presence of someone like Ken Paxton – the imaginations are understandably filled with dread.
Advocates are terrified, and for good reason. When a government starts compiling lists of a specific group, especially a marginalized one, it’s a deeply unsettling sign. History has shown us where this can lead. The simple act of creating a registry, of marking people as “other,” is a step towards potential targeting and harm. The unknown purpose of this list is the monster under the bed. The speculation is the fuel for that fear.
Attorney General Ken Paxton is known for his anti-trans policies, so what will he do with a list of trans names? That’s the million-dollar question, and the answer, or even a glimpse of the answer, is what everyone is so desperately seeking. Given Paxton’s past statements and actions, the fear isn’t based on nothing. He has actively worked to restrict the rights of transgender individuals, and it’s not unreasonable to assume he would use this list to further his agenda. Whether it’s to enforce discriminatory laws, to intimidate and harass, or even to support vigilante actions, the possibilities are all disturbing.
The comparisons to historical atrocities, while uncomfortable, are understandable. The creation of lists of “undesirables” has been a precursor to unimaginable horrors throughout history. The very act of categorizing and identifying a specific group for, seemingly, no clear reason, is a red flag. The Nazis started with lists. It is not an unreasonable comparison to make given the current environment.
The concern extends beyond the immediate targets. It’s about the chilling effect this has on the entire community. It creates an atmosphere of fear and distrust, making it difficult for trans people to live openly and authentically. People who support trans rights are also being put at risk. People, in general, are being put at risk.
The motivations behind this list are being questioned, even by those who may not directly be affected. What is the goal? Is this truly about protecting the public, or is it a political power play designed to demonize and marginalize a vulnerable group? The lack of transparency suggests the latter, and that’s what makes the situation so dangerous.
The silence from the state is deafening, and what isn’t spoken might be the most telling. The refusal to provide any explanation only fuels the fire of speculation and anxiety. It suggests there’s something to hide, something that the state doesn’t want the public to know. This lack of transparency is fueling the speculation.
The very act of collecting this data, regardless of the intended use, is a violation of privacy. To compile such a list is to treat trans people as potential threats. It’s an invasion of privacy, and it sends a clear message that their identities are up for scrutiny and potential misuse. The fear that the information could be leaked, shared, or otherwise used against them is a constant burden.
Given the political climate in Texas, with its conservative leanings and strong religious influence, the potential for misuse is even greater. The influence of Christian nationalism is being watched. There are people who seem to be obsessed with the idea of marginalizing the rights of the trans community. Paxton is no stranger to controversies, and his actions are frequently seen through a lens of political expediency.
The calls for a revolt may be extreme, but they reflect the depth of the desperation and fear. When people feel that their very existence is threatened, the stakes are extremely high. The comparisons to Kristallnacht and the early stages of the Holocaust, while they may seem hyperbolic to some, are rooted in a very real historical understanding of how such discrimination unfolds. The lack of term limits on the Attorney General only amplifies these concerns, as it reinforces the belief that this will go on, that there is no end in sight. The political climate is just as bad.
Ultimately, the lack of transparency is the core problem. If the state had a legitimate reason for collecting this data, it would be transparent about it. The silence speaks volumes, and it fuels the fear. It’s time for answers, but those answers might never come, and that is terrifying.