1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

Senator Duckworth, as a transgender resident of Illinois, I am appalled that you supported the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 which contains several anti-trans provisions. Transgender Americans are being targeted across the nation with those in red states being hit the hardest. Now, is the time to fight for our access to gender affirming health care, identification that accurately describes our identity, and the right to exist in public without discrimination. Senator Durbin, I am begging you to vote no on this bill if those anti-trans provisions remain in the bill brought to the floor. I understand there is a lot of stigma regarding transgender Americans right now in politics. But I am a real person with a real family just trying to live authentically as myself. At some point in your careers, y'all chose to be public servants and fight for the common good. Please, help us.