1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent developments that threaten the rights and safety of transgender individuals in our country. The escalating discrimination against the transgender community is not only morally reprehensible but also poses a significant threat to the principles of equality and justice that our nation stands for. The FBI's reported development of tools to track "trans extremists" is a dangerous conflation of gender identity with extremism. This mischaracterization, coupled with the Heritage Foundation's call to label all transgender activism as "Trans Ideology-Inspired Violent Extremism," creates a chilling effect on legitimate advocacy for trans rights. Such actions not only stigmatize an already marginalized community but also potentially violate civil liberties. In our schools, policies like those in Texas requiring the use of legal names for trans students amount to forced deadnaming, a practice known to cause significant psychological harm. Similarly, Alberta's new rules requiring girls to declare their biological sex to participate in sports perpetuate discrimination and exclusion. The ban on Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care in Louisiana exemplifies how discriminatory policies directly impact healthcare access. While initiatives like the Trans Income Project offer some relief by funding hormone replacement therapy, they should not be necessary in a just healthcare system. I urge you to take immediate action to protect transgender rights. This includes opposing any legislation that discriminates based on gender identity, supporting comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, and ensuring that federal agencies like the FBI do not engage in unwarranted surveillance of trans activists. We must also work to guarantee access to gender-affirming care and create inclusive environments in our schools and sports. The consequences of inaction are severe, potentially leading to increased mental health issues, suicide rates, and violence against the trans community. As your constituent, I ask you to stand firmly against these discriminatory trends and champion policies that protect and affirm the rights of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Our response to this issue will define us as a society committed to equality and human rights.