Michelle Obama preached to “do something” the other night, so I took her words to heart.
This letter addresses the potential negative impacts of the Project 2025 proposals on the transgender and LGBTQ+ community, urging instead for policies that prioritize inclusivity and protection of rights.
Responding to the Project 2025 proposals from the perspective of their potential impact on transgender individuals requires addressing concerns about rights, safety, and access to essential services.
These proposals appear to target the rights and well-being of transgender individuals in ways that could significantly disrupt their everyday lives.
Transgender people already face significant challenges, including discrimination, limited access to health care, and social stigmatization. The proposals under Project 2025, which seem aimed at rolling back protections and limiting access to necessary resources, would exacerbate these challenges.
Key areas of concern include:
Health-care access: Proposals that seek to restrict access to gender-affirming care are particularly alarming. Gender-affirming care is not elective; it is essential health care that allows transgender individuals to live healthy, authentic lives. Denying or limiting this care would have devastating effects on physical and mental health, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide within the community.
Legal recognition and rights: Efforts to limit legal recognition of transgender identities undermine the basic rights of transgender people to live as their true selves. Such proposals could lead to increased harassment, discrimination, and violence, particularly in public spaces where individuals are already vulnerable.
Educational impacts: Policies that restrict discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in educational settings would isolate transgender youth, who are already at high risk for bullying and mental health issues. Education is a critical space for fostering understanding and acceptance, and these proposals would hinder the ability of educators to support all students effectively.
Economic consequences: Transgender individuals already face higher rates of unemployment and poverty due to discrimination. Project 2025’s proposals could further entrench these disparities, limiting opportunities for economic stability and growth.
The transgender community, like all communities, deserves the right to live without fear of discrimination or violence. They deserve access to health care, education, and employment opportunities that allow them to thrive. Implementing the Project 2025 proposals could result in severe harm to transgender individuals and push them further to the margins of society.
I urge the rejection of these proposals by voting for the Harris/Walz ticket, who will have a focus on protecting the rights and well-being of all people, including transgender individuals. Policies should be rooted in compassion, equality, and the understanding that diversity strengthens our society.
Thank you for considering these concerns. With love and kindness.
Cami Richardson
Kamas