POLICY DIRECTOR

EQUALITY KANSAS

Taryn Jones (she/her) received her Bachelor of Social Work from Pittsburg State University. She has worked in community mental health and child welfare before working as a volunteer coordinator at Jewish Family Services. For the last three years she has served as the Policy Director for Equality Kansas where she lobbies in the Kansas Legislature for pro LGBTQ+ policies. Taryn has been a lifelong Kansan resident. She currently lives in Overland Park with her cat.

BREAKOUT LEADER

Forced Religion and Fear: How Christian Nationalism Shapes Anti-Queer Policy in Kansas

In recent years, Kansas has seen a wave of state and local policies influenced by Christian Nationalist ideology—targeting queer and trans Kansans through attacks on education, health care, and personal freedom. This session will examine the most consequential discriminatory laws and local actions passed in the past two years, unpack their real-world impact on LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, and preview what’s likely ahead in the 2026 legislative session. Join advocates, policy experts, and faith leaders for an honest look at how these forces are shaping Kansas—and how communities can organize, educate, and push back.