1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage over the recent inflammatory and dangerous statements made by Representatives Nancy Mace and Ronny Jackson regarding transgender individuals. Their calls for the institutionalization of transgender people are not only deeply offensive but also represent a severe threat to the rights and safety of the LGBTQ+ community. Rep. Mace's use of slurs and suggestion that transgender people should be in straitjackets, along with Rep. Jackson's proposal to treat transgender identities as psychiatric issues requiring removal from society, are reminiscent of dark periods in our history when marginalized groups faced systemic oppression and forced institutionalization. These statements, coupled with similar rhetoric from other public figures like Elon Musk and Matt Walsh, create a hostile environment that can lead to real-world harm against transgender individuals. It's crucial to emphasize that there is no evidence supporting claims of transgender people being inherently violent or terroristic. These baseless accusations serve only to further marginalize an already vulnerable community. The parallels between this rhetoric and current anti-LGBTQ+ actions in countries like Russia should serve as a stark warning about the potential consequences of allowing such discourse to go unchallenged. As your constituent, I urge you to take a strong stance against this dangerous escalation in anti-transgender rhetoric. Please publicly condemn these statements and work to protect the rights and dignity of all LGBTQ+ individuals. We need leaders who will stand up for equality and human rights, not those who exploit fear and misinformation for political gain. I request that you support and sponsor legislation that protects transgender rights, prevents discrimination, and ensures equal treatment under the law. Additionally, I ask that you use your platform to educate others about the realities faced by the transgender community and the importance of inclusivity in our society. The demonization of transgender people for political purposes must stop. It is not only morally reprehensible but also poses a significant threat to the fabric of our diverse and inclusive society. I look forward to hearing about the concrete steps you will take to address this issue and stand up for the rights of all your constituents, regardless of their gender identity.