New York, NY— This week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an order purporting to direct child welfare agents in the state to “investigate” parents who support their transgender children just days after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a non-binding opinion claiming that state law prohibits parents from seeking medically necessary—and often life-saving—gender-affirming care for transgender children. These headlines come amid a flurry of anti-trans bills across the country, with reports showing that 2022 could be the most anti-trans legislative year in recent history.
In response to these recent attacks on transgender youth and families in Texas, South Dakota, and beyond, Family Equality issued the following statement:
“Family Equality unequivocally stands with trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming youth and families across the country. By now, the research is clear: Abhorrent rhetoric like that pushed forward by the Texas governor and other state politicians—which seek to prosecute adults, schools, and medical practitioners for supporting their children—puts the lives and well-being of transgender youth at risk.
As a national organization dedicated to creating a world where everyone can experience the unconditional love and belonging of family, we see every day how essential it is to have safe, affirming, and inclusive communities. Creating and sustaining family means affirming your child for who they are—inclusive of their race, abilities, and genders—and seeking the help they need at the time they need it. We should be applauding parents, teachers, and doctors who follow this golden standard of care, not prosecuting them.
To all trans youth and families in Texas and around the country: You are not alone. We see you, and we pledge to continue working alongside a broad coalition of organizations in fighting for your freedoms.”
About Family Equality
Family Equality advances legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change. Family Equality believes every LGBTQ+ person should have the right and opportunity to form and sustain a loving family, regardless of who they are or where they live. Learn more at familyequality.org.
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Press Contact
Anna Libertin,
Chief Communications Officer/
646-880-3005 ext. 157
communications@familyequality.org