Loving, accepting, affirming care and support is now classified as child abuse in Texas

In Texas, elected officials entrusted with protecting their citizens violated that trust by officially announcing anti-trans policies and programs.

Yesterday, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) announced officially that anyone providing medical care to or supporting trans youth in receiving medical care should be reported and would be charged with child abuse. This care includes medically necessary and sometimes life-saving treatments like puberty blockers which are accepted and embraced by the medical community and American Medical Association as a basic standard of care for trans youth.

This is unimaginably cruel, unnecessary, and incredibly dangerous to trans youth and our community at large. The Texas Pediatric Society, Texas Medical Association, and Texas Academy of Family Physicians have spoken out against this dangerous and discriminatory effort. Since last year’s Stand Up for Trans Kids campaign, we have continued to advocate for trans youth, in addition to providing direct support.

To our trans and gender-expansive siblings in Texas, you are enough just the way you are. Know that there are people fighting for you, including all of us at Point of Pride.

If you are feeling especially down right now, please know that that is absolutely valid. Below are some exceptional resources that have helped so many of us through challenging times. We are hopeful they will help you, too.

• Trans Lifeline: A hotline for trans folks, by trans folks. US: (877) 565-8860. https://www.translifeline.org/ Please note that you do not need to be in crisis to contact Trans Lifeline.  
• Trevor Project: An LGBTQ hotline. US: (866) 488-7386 or http://www.thetrevorproject.org/pages/get-help-now
• GLBT National Help Center: General talkline: (888) 843-4564 | Youth talkline: (800) 246-7743
• Interactive self-care guide: When you’re not feeling well but don't want to speak with another person right now, this interactive flowchart will guide you through checking-in with yourself physically and emotionally.

To our community of allies and advocates, if you are in a position to do so, join us in supporting the trans youth of Texas and their families and whatever way you can—whether it’s making a donation to Point of Pride to support trans youth, or sharing your support on social media with the graphics we’ve provided or a message of your own.