The community that embodies the beautiful diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity is under relentless attack. In Florida, this aggression has been most apparent as policy makers attempted to ban words. The “Don’t Say Gay Bill” has already passed the House. There are also efforts to rewrite history so kids in classrooms are prevented from feeling discomfort with topics like race, gender, and sexuality. If these efforts work, they will eliminate historical accuracy, remove the ability to engage in critical thinking and class discussion, and create entire generations of emotionally fragile people. Currently, legislation is attacking yet again, attempting to end insurance coverage for gender-affirming care. WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) issued this statement:
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2022 Contact: Cindi Creager, CreagerCole Communications (646) 279-4559, cindi@reagercole.com WPATH/USPATH Condemn Florida Agency’s Attack on Transgender Health Care The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the United States Professional Association for Transgender Health (USPATH) condemn the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration for issuing a misleading and distorted report that aims to deny Medicaid coverage for transgender health care. “Florida’s assault on transgender communities has been relentless. This latest attack from the agency that oversees the Medicaid program comes just two months after the Department of Health targeted medically necessary health care for trans youth. As stated in USPATH’s detailed position statement responding to Florida’s actions: ‘These efforts lack scientific merit, and in some cases misinterpret or distort available data, or otherwise lend credence to individual opinions in the literature that are at odds with the overwhelming majority of experts and publications in this field.’ Florida’s health agencies have an obligation to support the health and wellbeing of its residents, including those who are transgender. The state has instead chosen to issue misleading and dangerous reports designed to harm transgender people. WPATH and USPATH will continue to challenge each and every one of these unconscionable attempts to thwart trans health care.” Click here to read the full press release. **Walter Bouman, WPATH President, quoted in AP article that has gone to many outlets including ABC News. Transgender youth treatment under fire in Florida again – ABC News – https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/transgender-youth-treatment-fire-florida-85171580 |
I do not have answers for how to join the fight against efforts to delegitimize entire groups of people and the rights that have taken years to build. If this is a community you want to help protect, please contact The Center on Colfax for their suggestions. This is a place in Denver dedicated as a safe and welcoming place for Colorado’s proud, diverse LGBTQ community.