1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

This week we lost a transgender high school student in Palo Alto to suicide, the second such loss in our area in the past year. In her final post, Summer Mehta cited the atmosphere of hatred and ignorance towards the trans community incited by President Trump and the Republicans. Governor, it pains me to say that you have helped foster this atmosphere by vetoing protections in our State, speaking in favor of restrictions on medical care and sports participation, and by welcoming anti-transgender guests on your podcast. We need you and other Democratic leaders to take an unequivocal stand in support of the rights of transgender people of all ages to live, thrive, and participate in society. Their lives depend on it.