1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed "transgender ideology–inspired violence and extremism" (TIVE) designation being pushed by certain groups for adoption by the FBI. This designation is not only baseless but also potentially dangerous for the transgender community. It's crucial to understand that being transgender is a recognized medical condition, not an ideology. The American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and other reputable medical organizations have long acknowledged gender dysphoria as a legitimate medical condition requiring appropriate care and support. There is no credible evidence linking transgender identity to increased rates of violence or extremism. The push for this designation appears to be politically motivated rather than based on any substantive law enforcement need. It emerged following a high-profile murder case, despite no evidence connecting the crime to transgender individuals. This seems to be part of a broader attempt to marginalize and scapegoat the trans community, reminiscent of the unjust treatment of Muslim communities post-9/11. Implementing such a designation could lead to increased, unwarranted investigations of transgender individuals, infringing on their civil liberties and potentially violating their constitutional rights. Experts warn that these types of designations are prone to abuse and could be misused to target political opponents rather than address genuine security threats. Moreover, this effort contradicts the principles of equality and non-discrimination that our nation stands for. It risks further stigmatizing an already vulnerable population and could exacerbate the challenges and discrimination they face in their daily lives. I urge you to oppose the creation of this TIVE designation and any similar measures that unfairly target the transgender community. Instead, I ask that you support policies that protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Our focus should be on promoting understanding, equality, and evidence-based policies that enhance the safety and well-being of all members of our society.