How we can protect trans children

Here are 3 concrete actions you can take to help transgender children know they are seen, heard, and loved.

Thank you for everything you do to love your neighbors -- no exceptions.

1. Sign the Faithful America statement that loving and protecting trans people is a Christian act.

As social-justice Christians, we know that Jesus calls us to see people as they are and bring them into a beloved, welcoming community.

Sign the Statement

2. Tell your local schools and hospitals to protect trans children.

Trump's executive orders specifically target trans kids by denying them safety from discrimination in schools, freedom to join in athletics, and access to life-saving medical care. Even though a federal judge temporarily halted this order, many schools and hospitals have already started complying with it. They may not change course without public pressure. You can make a difference by reaching out to your local school and hospital boards, telling them to stand up to Trump, just like Corewell Health in Michigan did. (If your local hospital is Corewell Health, send them a thank you!) NOTE: AS of 2/19, UVA Health Children's Hospital in Virginia and Prima Community Care in Arizona have resumed gender-affirming care and could use a thank you as well!

How do I find my local school or hospital?

Who do I contact there?

  • For school districts, look for the chairperson of the school board. Your school district's public website should have that information. (Check the About or Contact Us sections) You can also call the district office for this public information.
  • Hospitals are a bit trickier. For non-profit hospitals, there is a board of directors. Private hospitals have a CEO. You can find that information on the hospital website or call and ask for the board/CEO's office.

NOTE: Doing this research may take you 15-60 minutes. Keep searching, and don't be afraid to pick up the phone to call these places with your questions. It's worth it to make a difference for your neighbors!

What do I tell them?

You are welcome to use a version of these messages with your specific information. Click the appropriate button to copy the text to add to your email or document. Just like when we contact our elected officials, email is good, a written letter is better, and a phone call is best!

Letter to School Boards:   Letter to Hospitals:
 

Dear (School Board Chair Name),

I am reaching out today to express my concern for our LGBTQ+ students at (Your Local School District). As you know, the Trump administration ordered the Department of Education to rescind all pro-LGBTQ+ guidance documents. These documents were intended to provide understanding and protection for some of our most vulnerable students. Losing this support at the federal level increases the isolation, discrimination, and danger for our students.

As a Christian called to love my neighbors, I ask the School Board to emphasize the importance of anti-bullying and anti-discrimination measures for our LGBTQ+ students. All students deserve to be safe in our schools regardless of who they love or how they identify.

Thank you for your efforts to care for all of our students.

  

Dear (Chairperson/CEO),

I am reaching out today to express my concern for your LGBTQ+ patients. As you know, the Trump administration is attempting to ban gender-affirming care for minors that is life-saving. When hospitals halt care for trans youth, it leaves their mental and physical health in jeopardy. These actions not only violate the Hippocratic Oath to "do no harm" but also violate the Christian calling to care for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Recently, Corewell Health in Michigan stood up to these unethical orders and resumed gender-affirming for their patients. Corewell Health understood that the government has no right to come between children, their parents, and their doctors.

As a Christian who believes in respecting the dignity of all people, I urge you to follow Corewell Health's lead and resume any gender-affirming care in your facilities. It is time for all medical facilities to put patients over politics.

Thank you.

3. Post our "Protect Trans Kids: It's a Christian Value" graphic on social media.

The religious right has been extremely outspoken about their desire to push trans people out of public life -- and sadly, social justice Christians haven't always defended our neighbors as boldly as we should. We can change that by proudly displaying our latest Faithful America graphic on any social media site you prefer and asking your friends to share it as well. (Please note that this image is only for noncommercial digital purposes. For permission to use this image in other capacities, please contact us.)

Click on the image to download it (After the image loads, you may need to right-click and select "Save image as..." to download.):

Protect Trans Kids: It's a Christian Value

BONUS: Send this page to your friends, family, neighbors, and church members!

The more people who speak out and demand protection for trans people, the safer we make the world. Especially when contacting your local school board and hospitals, speaking out with your neighbors is incredibly powerful.