Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered that Texas authorities investigate all parties who provide gender-affirming care and treatment to Texans under 18. The fear-mongering, highly partisan, non-scientific action, supported only by the opinion of the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, places trans youth, already subjected to the transphobic and outdated trans sports bill, in further jeopardy. The scapegoating of trans children, a highly-vulnerable population, by so-called Christians and Conservatives, in an attempt to play to the fanatic wing of base, is playing politics with the lives of children. Politicians such as Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton, regardless of what their party affiliation is, have arbitrarily decided on policy that directly contradicts the findings of the AMA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the APA, all of which state that affirming care is lifesaving and the opposite of child abuse. This is a transparent attempt at virtue signaling in a state with the second-highest number of transgender residents in the entire country. Instead of focusing on his states’ failing infrastructure or its’ “D” financial health ranking, Abbott’s obsession with the personal healthcare and reproductive organs of minors has taken hold of his entire agenda and the agendas of other states who have passed similarly dangerous bills- Montana, South Dakota, Mississippi and Florida to name a few.
In New Jersey, we are fortunate to have representatives who learn about, understand, and protect our trans youth instead of putting their lives in jeopardy.
Our collective heart breaks for the kids who will be denied the only thing they need of the adults in positions of authority- Greg Abbott has denied them safety and care. He has failed all Texans yet again in the name of “family values.” It’s our sincerest hope that Greg Abbott and all those who share his harmful, ancient viewpoints will take the time to learn and grow, and we will continue to advocate for a world in which the lives of transgender individuals are safe from persecution. Transgender identity is not a new concept, but unfortunately, bigotry and violence against trans people continues to flourish in the institutions of Texas.
If you have the means to do so, please support these children and these organizations fighting the Greg Abbott witch-hunt:
- The largest trans-led, trans-focused organization in Texas, Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT) uses donations to create sustainable accessibility
to hearings, support individuals and groups on the ground, and offset costs of facilitating workshops. - TxTransKids.org is a resource for trans youth in Texas, fighting for their rights in courts, legislature, local governments, and schools. While they don’t accept donations, you can become an advocate with the organization to help defend the rights of all trans people in Texas, particularly kids.
- Equality Texas is a political advocacy organization that works to eliminate all discrimination targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
- Lambda Legal is a legal organization that fights cases that protect and advance the rights of LGBTQ+ people and those with HIV; leads public education campaigns; and advocates for public policy at the local, state, and federal levels to support LGBTQ+ people.
- TransYouth Family Allies provides resources and guidance for parents, families, and all allies of trans youth.
- Allgo is an Austin-based organization dedicated to helping queer people of color by building, educating, and mobilizing communities.
- Trans Pride Initiative advocates for trans rights in education, healthcare, housing, and employment.
Lauren Albrecht (She/Her/Hers)
Lauren is a full-time Healthcare Finance Supervisor, managing a department of Data Analysts at a large outsource vendor, and a part-time policy consultant at Garden State Equality. She holds degrees in English and Art History and lives in Wall Township with her family. Lauren’s interests include live music, literature and travel.
