Texas Attack on Trans Youth
Trans youth and their families have been under attack for too long. Texas Governor Abbott’s directive stating that providing gender-affirming care should be considered a form of child abuse is both patently false and discriminatory.
Standard-of-care medical practices for transgender youths have been endorsed by major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
A common misconception is that teens are rushed thoughtlessly into gender-affirming care. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Guidelines require that any minor undergoing gender-affirming medical interventions first work with a mental health professional (with very specific training requirements) to explore the nature of their gender dysphoria and ensure they understand the implications of pursuing treatment. This process begins only once a family makes it to the clinic. Also, genital surgeries under current guidelines aren’t recommended for people younger than 18.
Gender-affirming care is mental health care. Mental health care saves lives. What's happening in Texas will lead to higher rates of abuse, harassment, and ultimately suicides of transgender children. I was proud to join Attorney General William Tong and State Representative Jeff Currey to condemn this anti-transgender youth order and support the trans community here in Connecticut and across the country. We see you and stand with you.
Sincerely,
Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan