1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

We are writing to express grave concern over President Trump's executive order mandating that federal agencies discriminate against transgender people and deny their core human identity. This order constitutes an unconscionable attack on the freedom and dignity of transgender Americans. The policy set forth is rooted in discredited, unscientific definitions that cruelly invalidate the existence of transgender and intersex individuals. It ignores modern scientific consensus and basic human rights principles. Forcing transgender prisoners into facilities based on their assigned sex at birth rather than their lived identity puts them at severely heightened risk of violence and sexual assault, violating constitutional protections. Furthermore, requiring transgender people to carry identity documents that contradict who they are amounts to an unjust denial of privacy and autonomy. It compels them to disclose highly personal information and marks them for further discrimination whenever they must present ID. This demeaning policy serves no legitimate government purpose. We urge you to reject this harmful order and uphold the equal rights and human dignity of all your constituents, regardless of gender identity or expression. True leaders fight for freedom and justice for all people, not codify ignorance and bigotry into law. We call on you to be on the right side of history by vigorously opposing policies that marginalize transgender Americans.