March 17, 2022 – Dallas, TEXAS – The National Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, the only social justice organization led by black trans people to advocate for the inequities of this community released the following statement:
The temporary block from District Judge Amy Clark Meachum, last week, on the investigation of parents who provide ender-affirming care to their children is a small win for the trans community, but the fight for our rights continues. Judge Meachum said that Governor Abbott’s directive was “beyond the scope of his authority.” The authority that he and his administration have excessively used to continue to target marginalized communities. The statewide injunction will remain in effect until the case is heard in July, giving groups like BTAC the opportunity to continue the battle to protect the trans youth.
Last week, the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston had to halt hormone therapy for transgender children, due to the directive of Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. In a legal opinion, Paxton argued that surgeries and treatments for transgender youth constitute child abuse. This is not only a violation of the rights of the children but also an illegal practice. The government cannot take away a child’s identity just because they are different from the conventional norm.
Paxton’s opinion is extremely harmful to transgender children. It suggests that parents who support their child’s transition to the opposite gender are abusing their children and can be prosecuted. Paxton also claims that trans children are being “indoctrinated,” but the Office for Civil Rights within the Department of Health and Human Services issued a guidance, this month, which explains that the practices from the Texas government could violate federal nondiscrimination protections.
As this atrocity against transgender children and their families continues to make headlines, the trans community has rallied together in solidarity. The Black Trans Advocacy Coalition will continue to fight back and will not rest until every trans child in Texas can access medically necessary, lifesaving care. Join us to continue spreading awareness, so we can help put an end to this injustice and save trans youth’s lives.
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