This new animation is released by the ACLU, drawn by Molly and directed by the wonderful and talented Kim Boekbinder and Jim Batt. Narrated by Emmy award winning actress Laverne Cox.

Only 18 states explicitly and comprehensively protect trans people from discrimination. Many other state lawmakers are focused on targeting us for more discrimination. In 2017, lawmakers in 22 states introduced more than 50 bills restricting the rights of trans people.Even as these lawmakers signal that we are not worthy of protection, we persevere. Most of us have already spent years in dark places wrestling with our truths, feeling ashamed of who we are. But when we manage to survive, and even to love ourselves, we are stronger than ever. Try as they might, these lawmakers cannot erase us. Our rights will be hard won, but we are winning.

Article on the video at TIME.com: http://time.com/4894647/trans-transgender-rights-video/