As at least seven states push for limits on how school curricula discuss LGBTQ topics and gender and sexuality, Texas Governor Greg Abbott continues adding fuel to the fire with a new political call that jeopardizes the safety of trans children in his home state.
Abbot called on the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate those who provide gender affirming care to kids. Affirmative healthcare for trans and gender non conforming youth, such as gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies, is child abuse according to an opinion issued by the state's Attorney General. It is not.
Governor Abbott signed an anti-trans sports ban for Texas public schools into law last year.
The importance of gender-affirming healthcare for trans and gender diverse youth was the topic of new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The research supports the claim that early access to gender-affirming health care during adolescence is associated with a lower risk of suicide and other mental health outcomes.
The American Civil Liberties Union said that the governor's statement didn't have any legal basis and couldn't be enforced under the current law. It is not clear how the directive will be enforced.
The actions of Texas elected officials were called dangerous by the White House.
Trans children and their families are shocked by the continued decisions of their political leaders to single them out. It is not a feasible solution for many families to move out of Texas as soon as possible.
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There are resources to support the safety of trans children and their families in Texas.
Many users have created and shared threads with various resources for Texas residents, as a result of this week's events.
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The LGBTQIA+ Student Rights Toolkit was created by the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and other groups. The toolkit includes explanations of current law that prohibits discrimination, guidance for handling discrimination in school settings, and a list of resources and contact information to get support.
The organizations above also host the TX Trans Kids website, which provides information on legal rights for trans children and their families. There is more than one list on the website with mental health resources, as well as statewide and city-specific organizations ready to support families.
Support trans and queer organizations that offer resources to communities in Texas by donating to the National Center for Transgender Equality.
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Donations to Equality Texas and its foundation go towards the organization's mission to secure LGBTQ equality through political and legal advocacy, education, and community organizing. Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression is taught to Texans by the Equality Texas Foundation.
The mission of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas is to uphold the civil liberties of all Texans. You can send requests to development@aclutx.org if you want your donations earmarked for fighting anti-trans legislation.
The Texas GSA Network is a state affiliate of the nationwide Genders and Sexualities Alliances Network. You can help establish and empower LGBTQ youth leaders by donating to its work online.
Fiesta Youth is a San Antonio-based queer youth organization that provides safe spaces, programming, and scholarships to LGBTQ+ youth and their families. You can donate through the Amazon Wish List.
DFW Trans Kids and Families is an organization that helps the trans community in the Dallas Fort Worth area. You can give here.
Hatch Youth is a program out of Houston that provides a weekly community, educational programming, and other forms of health and social support for youth and their parents. Supplies for programming, survival kits for homeless youth, and other community needs are funded by donations to Hatch Youth.
The Community Emergency Relief Fund is provided by the Transgender Education Network of Texas. You can make a donation to the fund here. Inquiries about the fund can be sent to info@transtexas.org.
The Organizacíon Latina de Trans en Texas is a community-based, trans-led organization that provides health and education services, community resources, and legal help for trans Texans. You can donate to the organization here.
In Austin, Texas, Allgo provides resources and assistance to queer people of color. You can make a donation to the work of the organization here.
The battle to protect trans and other LGBTQ youth requires on-the-ground work, mutual aid, and advocacy, but it also necessitates us to pressure our political representatives to enacted safe, equitable legislation and fight against legislation that may cause harm. It is a cause that extends far beyond the Texas border.
If you want to air your opinions to the Texas governor, fill out the official contact form or call his office. The office of the Attorney General can be reached by phone.
Freedom For All Americans is a bipartisan campaign pushing for non-discrimination legislation that protects the LGBTQ community.
Make sure to vote for politicians who support LGBTQ-inclusive legislation in the upcoming elections.
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As more resources become available, this article will be updated.
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