Call on governors to #ProtectTransKids

To anyone reading this who is trans or nonbinary: Your identity is valid, no matter where you are in the coming out process. You have the right to be seen and loved for who you are.

But conservative state legislatures are trying to take away that right.

Hundreds of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ bills are under consideration in states across the country, many targeting transgender and nonbinary youth. This includes legislation criminalizing gender-affirming healthcare, such as hormone therapy and medication to delay puberty.

This trend is coinciding with rising incidents of fatal violence against transgender and nonbinary people. In spreading cruel misinformation and introducing transphobic legislation, politicians are endangering children, their families, and others who support them.

A new study found that gender-affirming care reduces the risk of moderate or severe depression by 60% and suicidality by 73%. This is essential for an already-marginalized, stigmatized, and bullied group of people--at least a third of whom have attempted suicide in the past year.

As trans advocate Chase Strangio explained: "The data is clear: When young people are affirmed in their identity, they thrive."

However, Idaho and Alabama are on the brink of passing statewide legislation that would make it a felony to provide gender-affirming healthcare for transgender and nonbinary youth. And in Texas, the governor and Attorney General are urging investigations and criminal punishments for parents, educators, and providers supporting children and adolescents with gender-affirming care.

The bill recently passed in Idaho's House of Representatives would additionally punish parents or guardians for bringing minors out-of-state for gender-affirming care, potentially up to a life in prison. With a massive Republican majority, Idaho's Senate is likely to pass the bill, bringing it to the Republican governor's desk--who could choose to veto the bill, if pushed.

We've got to speak up about this crisis and oppose these dangerous anti-trans bills. It is vital to show trans and nonbinary kids that they belong and are welcome, and to pressure the governors of Alabama, Texas, and Idaho to do the right thing and save kids' lives.

Will you post about your support for trans and nonbinary kids on social media today?

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