1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Thank you for proudly and defiantly defending the rights of not just California residents, but of all humans in this country who deserve the right to exist. Their contributions to our society are invaluable and allow us to become more compassionate, critically thinking citizens as we're exposed to new perspectives, cultures, and ways of thriving. I've been employed in the HIV prevention field for five years at the local government level. Through my work, I've had the privilege of collaborating with LGBTQ+ individuals who inspire me. This applies even more strongly to transgender individuals. Despite being treated or portrayed as inhuman, abominations, or opportunistic predators for much of their lives, they continue to be optimistic. They continue to fight to be visible, respected and recognized - just like any other human on this planet. Trump's vile and hateful rhetoric about trans women trying to infiltrate women's sports is nothing but cruel, vicious lies. The fact that this belabored talking point has convinced so many American of the inherent "evils" of trans people is devastating. To quote a favorite song of mine, "Blood just looks the same when you open the veins". Please take a stand against this rhetoric and shut it down every opportunity you get. Please help correct the stereotypes and strike down disinformation Trump and his cronies are spreading. Thank you.