On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that the Trump administration lifted Obama-era guidelines allowing transgender students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. The step backward by the new administration is being done in the name of states' rights, asserting that the Obama-era legislation is an example of overreaching federal interference with state sovereignty.
The only problem is what we all know too damn well: If this is left up to individual states, a lot of trans kids are going to be stuck in oppressive, hostile, dangerous places. For some, this move is a death sentence.
To all the trans kids out there: No matter what your administration tells you, no matter how hard you and your allies have to fight, you are loved. Take a minute and look at the wave of support and resistance pouring out of Twitter under the hashtag #ProtectTransKids.
\u201cA reminder of what real leadership looks like. #ProtectTransKids\n\nCC: @realDonaldTrump\u201d— Human Rights Campaign (@Human Rights Campaign) 1487787767
\u201cWe are all a part of the same family. It's time to stand up for one another. \u270a #ProtectTransKids #EverybodySayLove \ud83c\udf08\u201d— RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaul's Drag Race) 1487871014
\u201cEquality for transgender youth is on the line! To call your Representative text "CALL CONGRESS" to 30644 and demand they #ProtectTransKids.\u201d— Human Rights Campaign (@Human Rights Campaign) 1487858460
\u201cthe real issue surrounding the transgender bathroom situation is about allowing trans people to simply exist. #protecttranskids\u201d— tyler oakley (@tyler oakley) 1487864412
\u201cTo all the trans kids and allies out there, we support you! Your stories inspire us everyday. \ud83d\ude4f https://t.co/SXPkVyjWdF #ProtectTransKids\u201d— YouTube (@YouTube) 1487875579
\u201cWe will not stand on the sidelines. Contact @usedgov 800-421-3481 & @TheJusticeDept 877-292-3804 to tell them why we must #ProtectTransKids.\u201d— Human Rights Campaign (@Human Rights Campaign) 1487873945
\u201c.@realDonaldTrump: no young person, no kid should wake up in the morning fearful of the school day ahead. We must #ProtectTransKids @HRC\u201d— Megan Rapinoe (@Megan Rapinoe) 1487870893
\u201cApple becomes one of the first businesses to publicly speak out on Trump's shameful action. #ProtectTransKids https://t.co/gbOO0BqaAL\u201d— Human Rights Campaign (@Human Rights Campaign) 1487869414
None— acw 78 (@acw 78) 1487847888
\u201cTrans kids: You are LOVED, SUPPORTED, and VALID. I (and SO many others) are here for you. #protecttranskids\u201d— Scott Hoying (@Scott Hoying) 1487829368
\u201cThis sick act will not go down unnoticed or without a fight. Let's go bitches\ud83d\udc4a\ud83c\udffc #ProtectTransKids\u201d— Gigi Gorgeous Getty (@Gigi Gorgeous Getty) 1487816545
\u201cTrans community: we are fighting for you EVERYDAY. You are SEEN & VALUED. We arent giving up and we know you won't either #ProtectTransKids\u201d— LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus (@LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus) 1487811469
\u201cIf your feminism doesn't extend to equality for trans people, it does not advocate for equality whatsoever. #protecttranskids\u201d— Sam H. Escobar (@Sam H. Escobar) 1487811047
\u201cTo my trans community, stay hopeful and stand united! #ProtectTransKids \ud83d\udc9c\ud83d\udc9c\ud83d\udc9c\u201d— Jazz Jennings (@Jazz Jennings) 1487803174
We're with Jazz: Stay hopeful and stand united. We're here for you, and we will be here for you.
LGBT youth (ages 24 and younger) who are considering suicide can reach the Trevor Project Lifeline at (866) 488-7386. If you are a trans or gender-nonconforming person considering suicide, Trans Lifeline can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 can also be reached 24 hours a day by people of all ages and identities.
From left: Jena Malone, Jodie Foster, Jay-Z, and Kendall and Kylie Jenner.Featureflash photo Agency/Shutterstock; Tinseltown/Shutterstock; Tinseltown/Shutterstock; Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
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