Protect Trans and Queer Americans— “We Have Always Been Here”
Protect Trans and Queer Americans— “We Have Always Been Here”
The Issue
Queer and trans individuals have been in recorded American history since the early 19th century, with accounts of transgender individuals living on the land that became American as early as the 1600’s. Despite what many Americans may believe, transgender and queer individuals have a rich history spanning centuries of development. But, the history of myself and fellow queer Americans is being put at risk. Laws enacted at a Federal level have threatened the availability of gender-affirming healthcare, information, and freedom of identity for queer people. Many states across the nation have put forth or passed legislation banning gender affirmative healthcare for queer youth, in addition to queer adults.
Allowing these legislations to be further expanded will deliberately harm the queer community. The healthcare rights of individuals will be put into question, as their ability to receive life-changing medical care diminishes. With the health and wellbeing of the community being top priority, it is important to note that gender-affirming healthcare is life-saving healthcare. It is not performative; it is not debatable. It is necessary for the happiness and viability of trans individuals. Additionally, the educational equality of queer youth will come under fire. Students may no longer be allowed to receive gender-affirming social support from peers, educators, and faculty. Schools that uplift their trans and queer students can face fines, punishment, and joblessness as a result.
All in all, queer Americans need vital community support in this moment. The rights of myself and my fellow community members are at stake. Without a strong community of queer people and allies, we will not reach the goal of trans protection and inclusion. We are stronger when we are united. The rights of queer and trans Americans will not be diminished. Please join the fight today!
Below, I have linked a few articles to increase literacy on trans and queer issues:
Understanding Gender, Sex, and Expression: https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/transgender-people-gender-identity-gender-expression
Gender Affirming Care: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9341318/#:~:text=Gender%2Daffirmation%20surgery%20has%20been,quality%20of%20life%20after%20vaginoplasty.
Consequences of Anti-Trans Laws: https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2024/08/Impact-AntiTrans-Law-Research-Brief-FINAL.pdf
Social Affirmation and Support: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7906235/#:~:text=Social%20gender%20affirmation%2C%20distinct%20from,of%20correct%20names%20and%20pronouns.
4
The Issue
Queer and trans individuals have been in recorded American history since the early 19th century, with accounts of transgender individuals living on the land that became American as early as the 1600’s. Despite what many Americans may believe, transgender and queer individuals have a rich history spanning centuries of development. But, the history of myself and fellow queer Americans is being put at risk. Laws enacted at a Federal level have threatened the availability of gender-affirming healthcare, information, and freedom of identity for queer people. Many states across the nation have put forth or passed legislation banning gender affirmative healthcare for queer youth, in addition to queer adults.
Allowing these legislations to be further expanded will deliberately harm the queer community. The healthcare rights of individuals will be put into question, as their ability to receive life-changing medical care diminishes. With the health and wellbeing of the community being top priority, it is important to note that gender-affirming healthcare is life-saving healthcare. It is not performative; it is not debatable. It is necessary for the happiness and viability of trans individuals. Additionally, the educational equality of queer youth will come under fire. Students may no longer be allowed to receive gender-affirming social support from peers, educators, and faculty. Schools that uplift their trans and queer students can face fines, punishment, and joblessness as a result.
All in all, queer Americans need vital community support in this moment. The rights of myself and my fellow community members are at stake. Without a strong community of queer people and allies, we will not reach the goal of trans protection and inclusion. We are stronger when we are united. The rights of queer and trans Americans will not be diminished. Please join the fight today!
Below, I have linked a few articles to increase literacy on trans and queer issues:
Understanding Gender, Sex, and Expression: https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/transgender-people-gender-identity-gender-expression
Gender Affirming Care: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9341318/#:~:text=Gender%2Daffirmation%20surgery%20has%20been,quality%20of%20life%20after%20vaginoplasty.
Consequences of Anti-Trans Laws: https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2024/08/Impact-AntiTrans-Law-Research-Brief-FINAL.pdf
Social Affirmation and Support: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7906235/#:~:text=Social%20gender%20affirmation%2C%20distinct%20from,of%20correct%20names%20and%20pronouns.
4
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on February 4, 2025