1. United States
2. Alaska
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned constituent to strongly condemn the recent revocation of protections for transgender veterans within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This decision is not only discriminatory but will have devastating consequences, including increased suicide and self-harm among transgender veterans. Today, March 14, reports confirmed that the Trump administration rescinded policies ensuring transgender veterans received equitable and respectful care at VA facilities. By stripping these protections, the administration has sent a dangerous and disgusting message that some veterans are less deserving of dignity than others. The data on this issue is both substantial and clear: transgender individuals, and especially those who have served in the military, face significantly higher risks of mental health struggles, including depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. According to studies from the National Center for Transgender Equality (conducted in 2014) and The Trevor Project (conducted annually), transgender individuals are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as the general population, and veterans already have an increased suicide risk. Removing these protections will only exacerbate these issues, forcing many transgender veterans into hostile healthcare environments or discouraging them from seeking care altogether. I urge you to act in the following ways: 1 Publicly condemn this reckless policy change and reaffirm your commitment to ensuring all veterans receive the care they deserve. 2 AND Push for legislative protections that explicitly guarantee non-discriminatory treatment for transgender veterans within the VA. 3 AND Hold the administration accountable for endangering the lives of those who served, and demand the immediate reinstatement of these protections. Do not speak and fail to act. We owe all our veterans respect, dignity, and competent care. These policy changes will lead to preventable suffering and loss of life. I am begging you to take a stand and fight for those who have already sacrificed so much for this country. Thank you for your time and leadership on this incredibly urgent matter.