Support Affirming Care

I am writing to let my representatives know my position on the "SAFE act", HB 1203/791/960 which would make gender affirming health care inaccessible for those under 18. As well as repeat support for trans rights, as many anti-trans bills and other legislation are becoming much more frequent in Virginia. I am opposed to this act, and I'm urging you to vote NO. Gender affirming care is life saving treatment for trans people and other, less publicized persons. This should not be denied to those under 18, as transgender youth have some of the highest rates of suicide. An article on the Trevor Project website states over 50% of trans adolescents seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021. An article on NBC news, citing another survey done by the Trevor Project noticed a 40% decrease in symptoms of depression and attempted suicide in trans people under 18 when they had access to gender affirming care. Gender affirming care directly leads to lower rates of suicide among trans people, and especially trans youth. Denying access to it will kill children. Gender affirming care is what keeps trans kids SAFE, not the lack of it. This bill is backed by bigotry and transphobia, and a general lack of regard for trans people's safety and the autonomy of their own bodies. This is favored over science and research - which demands that trans children be allowed to transition, and that it is far safer and healthier for them to do so. Please vote NO on the safe act.