Protect trans kids

It's Pride month.

This is a time to fiercely celebrate and empower our vibrant LGBTQI+ community.

But, 2023 has seen a surge in anti-LGBTQI+ bills. We're talking about nearly 500 of these discriminatory bills popping up in state legislatures. And what's even more terrible is that many of these bills are specifically targeting transgender youth.

It's divisive and just plain cruel.

This fight has even reached Congress. Republicans claim to be the party of small government, but House Republicans passed anti-trans legislation that puts them in charge of soccer teams. Not parents. Not school districts. Congress.

Give me a break!

I go all over my district, talking to people about their concerns, and you know what didn't come up once? Trans kids.

This so-called "crisis" is being manufactured by the GOP. It's divisive, extremist, and honestly creepy.

We must protect trans kids – their well-being is on the line. This isn't just about some culture war. For many LGBTQI+ youth, it's a matter of life or death. Numerous studies have shown that when these young individuals have support from their families, schools, and communities, their chances of attempting suicide decrease significantly.

As a proud member of the House Equity Caucus, I'm committed to ensuring that everyone, especially our trans youth, can be themselves without threats of violence or discrimination.

It's a basic human right.

Let's remember this: Joy is revolutionary.

The far-right might want us to be discouraged, but no way in hell will we let that happen!

So I'll keep celebrating this month and every month alongside LGBTQI+ folks and fighting hard in Congress to protect their rights.

Yours in the fight,

Jim