1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the growing use of "gender ideology" as a political tool to undermine transgender rights and broader social progress. This harmful rhetoric, which originated in conservative Catholic circles in the 1990s, has now infiltrated American political discourse and is being weaponized by right-wing movements globally. The concept of "gender ideology" is being misused as a catch-all term to criticize the well-established understanding that gender is a social construct distinct from biological sex. This rhetoric is not based on facts or science, but rather on fear-mongering and misinformation. It's being employed to justify discriminatory policies and stoke unfounded fears about threats to traditional values and family structures. Of particular concern is the increasing focus on children in anti-trans messaging. This escalating rhetoric portrays transgender individuals as dangerous, which is not only false but also deeply harmful to an already marginalized community. We must recognize this for what it is: baseless scapegoating that diverts attention from real issues facing our society. I urge you to take a stand against this harmful rhetoric and the discriminatory policies it seeks to justify. We need leaders who will protect the rights of all citizens, including transgender individuals, and who will base their decisions on facts and compassion rather than fear and misinformation. Please support initiatives that protect transgender rights, combat discrimination, and promote accurate education about gender identity. It's crucial that we work together to create a society that respects and values all its members, regardless of their gender identity. The ultimate goal of this anti-trans rhetoric seems to be the eradication of transgender identity itself - a deeply troubling and unacceptable aim that we must actively oppose. Your leadership on this issue is vital. I ask that you speak out against the misuse of "gender ideology" as a political tool and work to ensure that our policies and laws protect the rights and dignity of transgender individuals. Our community's strength lies in its diversity, and we must stand united against attempts to divide us through fear and misinformation.