We write this letter as a coalition of organizations that serve transgender youth and their families in the Triad. As adults who interact with trans youth on a regular basis, and as organizations that include many trans adults among our volunteers, we vehemently oppose the anti-trans legislation currently making its way through the NC General assembly.
Bills such as trans sports bans (Senate Bill 631 and House Bill 574), trans healthcare bans (SB 639, SB 560, and SB 641), and bills that prohibit the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people and issues in elementary education (SB 49 and HB 187) share a common premise – that trans people are dangerous, confused, and worthy of exclusion.Â
The trans youth who attend our programs are none of the above – they are full of life, humor, and the typical range of teenage feelings. They love K-pop, trading silly TikTok videos and complaining about their math classes. They and their families seek out the support our organizations provide because they cannot always find these things in their schools and communities, and it is our shared goal to work to provide them the affirmation they seek and deserve.Â
It is incumbent on all of us to protect all young people. We reject the biased interpretation of this ideal and its transphobic execution by the sponsors and supporters of the abovementioned bills. Trans youth are not pawns to be used in a game to score political points. They deserve our support. We encourage our communities to join us in standing up for them at this political moment and beyond.
Signed:
YouthSAFE
Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center
GSAFE
PFLAG Greensboro
Family Factor (a One Step Further, Inc. program)
Greensboro Commission on the Status of Women
Greensboro Transgender Task Force
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