Note: This message from Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality, was sent to families of trans youth and their supporters on January 28 regarding President Trump’s latest anti-transgender executive order.
We’re reaching out tonight about the new Executive Order attacking access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The order focuses on blocking federal funds from being used for gender-affirming care for trans people under the age of 19, and, like other Trump administration Executive Orders, it manages to be cruel, unconscionable, blatantly discriminatory, and clear as mud. Our legal partners are analyzing this thoroughly and will be sharing a full analysis as soon as possible.
One thing we know for sure is that we should not comply prematurely, nor overly comply, with Executive Orders like this that are designed to sow chaos.
For trans youth and their families, this is a really hard night – and this message is for you.
First, take a deep breath. Know that you’re not alone. These orders take time to implement – and are often halted by the courts, even when they are clearly written, which this one is not.
Second: Remind your child that there is a community alongside them every single step of the way, fighting for their rights and their access to care. That includes you, their providers, advocates across the country, and every single member of our team here at the Campaign for Southern Equality and our dozens of partners in the Trans Youth Emergency Project.
Next: Know that legal and policy experts across the country are working on analysis and an action plan as you read this. Partners across the movement – including some medical providers who will likely not be restricted by this Executive Order – will be working closely together on coordinated responses. At CSE, we are committed to providing accurate information as it becomes available – and, as we have always done with the Trans Youth Emergency Project, supporting you as you figure out your next steps.
As an action step: Reach out to your child’s provider. Their teams will likely be engaging in a similar legal analysis to understand how, if at all, they are impacted by this order.
Our Trans Youth Emergency Project (TYEP) is also always here to provide direct support to families of trans youth in accessing resources and updated information.
Above all, we want transgender young people and their families to know: We are here for you, there are people fighting alongside you every day, and the majority of the country supports your freedom to be who you are. We know this has been an extremely challenging month in an already challenging time. That’s just real. And it’s also real that we are not turning back and will show up every day to fight for dignity, equality, and freedom for all.
More soon.
With solidarity and love,
Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara
Executive Director
Campaign for Southern Equality
