1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

In light of the concerning rhetoric and planned policies targeting the transgender community under the incoming administration, it is imperative that Michigan officials take proactive measures to safeguard the rights and protections of LGBTQ individuals, especially transgender people. The fears expressed within the transgender community are valid, as the president-elect has explicitly outlined intentions to revoke gender-affirming healthcare access, restrict gender identity recognition at the federal level, and impose harsh limitations on educational institutions regarding discussions of gender identity. These proposed actions not only infringe on the basic rights and dignity of transgender Americans but also put their well-being at risk. As a state that values inclusivity and equal protection under the law, Michigan must act swiftly to reinforce and codify robust non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ citizens within employment, housing, healthcare, and education sectors. Additionally, the state should consider legislation that affirms the right to gender-affirming care and explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or expression. With the federal landscape poised to become increasingly hostile, it is crucial that state leadership steps up to fill the void and ensure the transgender community in Michigan is shielded from discriminatory policies and regressive ideology. Proactive legislative action is needed to send a clear message that Michigan will not tolerate the erosion of hard-won rights and will stand as a bulwark against any attempts to marginalize or persecute its LGBTQ residents.