Oppose FCC Targeting of Transgender Characters in Children's Programming

I'm submitting a comment to oppose the FCC's public notice under MB Docket No. 19-41 that targets transgender and nonbinary characters in children's television. The agency should reject any changes to the TV Parental Guidelines that would single out gender identity content for special ratings treatment. Transgender and nonbinary children exist. They watch television, and they deserve to see themselves reflected in age-appropriate programming just like any other kids. GLAAD's most recent report found just one transgender character on all of broadcast television. Representation is already nearly nonexistent. Singling out this content with special ratings warnings would send a clear message to networks to remove what little representation remains rather than risk ratings penalties or government scrutiny. The FCC document asks loaded questions about whether programs rated TV-Y, TV-Y7, and TV-G should be rated differently if they contain "the discussion or promotion of gender identity themes." This framing treats the mere existence of transgender people as inherently controversial or inappropriate for children. It's not. Shows featuring transgender or nonbinary characters teach empathy, reflect the reality that diverse families and identities exist, and provide crucial affirmation for LGBTQ+ youth who already face disproportionate rates of bullying and mental health challenges. The comment period closes May 22, 2026. Reject this discriminatory proposal.