The transgender community in the U.S. has been negatively impacted by the proposal of recent laws. Now with the most recent election, the trans community is under Republican’s microscope more than ever. This year, 394 new anti-trans bills have been proposed, with 274 bills having rolled over from the previous year. There have been over 80 bills introduced in legislation on a national level that contain anti-trans rhetoric.
Last year, Texas passed six anti-trans laws, but one in particular, HB1123, could be repurposed to seek out further testing of athletes to legitimize their claims about the gender they were assigned at birth. This is infringing on people’s human rights. The Texas legislature has also passed a bill centered around the access of gender-affirming care to minors. It prohibits certain children from obtaining gender reassignment procedures and treatments. An important aspect of this whole debate is how that care saves lives.
Introducing these kinds of bills can further destroy a child’s mental health and well-being as they navigate through their journey. For example, gender dysmorphia is a common struggle for transgender and non-binary individuals as it can cause anxiety, depression and negative self-image. Surrounding this stigma, a trans or non-binary person may not feel socially accepted and turn to alcoholism, drug addiction and self-injury. Gender-affirming care can save lives.
There is often a misconception that providing this care means an individual is automatically turning to gender reassignment surgery which is far from the truth. Some non-invasive treatments include counseling and puberty blockers which allow youth the time to explore their identity without unwanted physical changes. Policies should prioritize the promotion of human health and dignity and not age-old beliefs rooted in hate.
