Support Full Recognition of Transgender Women in Gender Equality Policy

On Wednesday, the European Parliament voted 340 to 141 to adopt a resolution establishing the European Union's priorities for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, which convenes in New York on March 9. The resolution includes a provision calling for full recognition of transgender women as women, emphasizing that their inclusion is essential for the effectiveness of any gender equality and anti-violence policies. This vote represents a significant policy position that gathered support not only from left-leaning groups but also from the majority of the European People's Party, the largest center-right bloc in the European Parliament. The resolution specifically recommends calling for recognition of and equal access for trans women to protection and support services at the UN Commission. The United States should follow Europe's lead on this issue. When we exclude transgender women from gender equality policies and support services, we undermine the effectiveness of those policies and leave vulnerable people without critical protections. Transgender women face disproportionate rates of violence and discrimination, and they need access to the same support services available to all women. The European Parliament's position is grounded in a practical understanding that inclusive policies work better than exclusionary ones. Gender equality efforts cannot succeed when they arbitrarily exclude certain women from protection. Support services for survivors of violence must be available to all women who need them, including transgender women. I urge you to support policies that recognize transgender women as women and ensure their full inclusion in gender equality initiatives and support services. This is not only a matter of human rights but also of effective policymaking. The European Parliament has shown that this position can command broad support across the political spectrum when legislators prioritize protecting all women. I ask that you advocate for the full recognition of transgender women in federal gender equality policies and oppose any efforts to exclude them from protections and services.