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.
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.
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.