1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I'm writing to you today because I am extremely concerned about President Trump's targeting of transgender Americans through both horrific executive orders and discriminatory, hate-fueled remarks. From threatening to unilaterally prohibit lifesaving gender-affirming care to claiming that trans members of the military harm our national security, the President's intent is clear: to dehumanize, stigmatize, and alienate members of the trans community. These kinds of policies and rhetoric not only aim to erase trans Americans from public life, but serve to incite violence, promote bigotry, and validate hatred. Studies continue to show a link between anti-trans laws and suicide attempts among both transgender and gender non-conforming youth. Additionally, when access to gender-affirming care is ripped away, we see worsening mental health outcomes. These numbers are particularly heartbreaking amongst transgender individuals of color. We cannot stand idly by as an entire group of Americans are targeted by this callous Administration for simply wanting to exist. The President's actions are discriminatory, harmful, and yet another example of significant and dangerous overreach. I am asking that you speak out against this Administration's ongoing attacks on our trans neighbors, introduce new legislation that protects our vibrant trans community, and begin working with advocacy organizations, state partners, and others to pursue meaningful and substantive legal action. Thank you.