- United States
- Ore.
- Letter
The policies implemented by the current administration severely undermine the rights and well-being of transgender individuals. Defining gender solely based on biological sex disregards widely accepted scientific evidence that gender exists on a spectrum. This oversimplified view perpetuates harmful misconceptions and enables discrimination against a vulnerable community. Banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth deprives them of essential medical support endorsed by major health organizations. Denying this care can have devastating effects on their mental health and overall development. Similarly, barring social transitioning in schools creates an unwelcoming environment that stigmatizes trans students and hinders their ability to learn authentically. Forcibly housing transgender women in men's prisons and reinstating a military ban rob these individuals of their fundamental rights to safety, dignity and service. These policies promote intolerance, marginalization and put lives at risk. As a society, we should embrace diversity and protect the freedoms of all citizens, regardless of gender identity. I urge a course correction to uphold equality, counter bias, and safeguard the wellbeing of the transgender community through comprehensive, evidence-based policies.