On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that the Trump administration lifted Obama-era guidelines allowing transgender students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. The step backward by the new administration is being done in the name of states' rights, asserting that the Obama-era legislation is an example of overreaching federal interference with state sovereignty.
The only problem is what we all know too damn well: If this is left up to individual states, a lot of trans kids are going to be stuck in oppressive, hostile, dangerous places. For some, this move is a death sentence.
To all the trans kids out there: No matter what your administration tells you, no matter how hard you and your allies have to fight, you are loved. Take a minute and look at the wave of support and resistance pouring out of Twitter under the hashtag #ProtectTransKids.
We're with Jazz: Stay hopeful and stand united. We're here for you, and we will be here for you.
LGBT youth (ages 24 and younger) who are considering suicide can reach the Trevor Project Lifeline at (866) 488-7386. If you are a trans or gender-nonconforming person considering suicide, Trans Lifeline can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 can also be reached 24 hours a day by people of all ages and identities.