Center Action Network's Response to the New York Times Story
By now many of you have seen the New York Times article titled, "Trump Administration Eyes Defining Transgender Out of Existence," about forthcoming rules from Department of Health and Human Services. The memo suggests that government agencies should adopt a new definition of gender which would essentially obliterate federal recognition of the estimated 2 million transgender and gender-expansive people living in America.
Millions of transgender Americans aren't the only ones who will be harmed by this attack. By narrowing our civil rights laws, it will set back women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and make it easier to fire or harass anyone who is perceived as not conforming to rigid gender stereotypes.
This Administration has repeatedly attempted to erase transgender people and deny them protections, despite clear messages from the mainstream medical, psychological, and scientific communities. Their latest proposal is an attempt to deny rights to equal access to health care, housing, education, and fair treatment under the law.
Mara Keisling from the National Center for Transgender Equality had this to say: "To transgender people: I know you are frightened. I know you are horrified to see your existence treated in such an inhumane and flippant manner. What this administration is trying to do is an abomination, a reckless attack on your life and mine. Remember that you are far from alone. There is an entire human rights community that not only stands with us but will always fight back—and fight hard."
Center Action Network stands with our transgender community. You can show solidarity by taking a selfie and posting it to social media with the hashtag #WontBeErased. The public will soon be able comment on this proposal, and when the time comes, we will ask you to take a moment to be heard. Together we CAN make a difference.
Sincerely,
Terry Stone & Tanya Tassi
ActionLink: The Center Action Network
www.lgbtactionlink.org