Ardent Republican Caitlyn Jenner is speaking out against the Trump administration’s withdrawal of federal protections for transgender students—which means trans students would no longer be free to use whatever restroom aligns with their gender identity.
Jenner’s comments came after the U.S. Department of Justice announced the withdrawal—essentially erasing Obama’s advancements for trans rights.
BREAKING: DOJ/Education withdraw guidance on transgender students’ rights “in order to further and more completely consider” the issues. pic.twitter.com/5nMr6tcAHY
— Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner) February 23, 2017
YouTube star Gigi Gorgeous also spoke out against the ban in an interview with People, saying she “was absolutely devastated that Trump decided to step back all the work that Obama did… Growing up I always had to wonder if I was welcome and safe in the bathroom that I felt I should be using,” she said. “Everyone should be able to go to the bathroom in a safe space.” Gigi often talks about her experiences as a trans woman on her popular YouTube channel, including a recent video blog in which she was detained in Dubai for being trans.
Apple also expressed its support of trans rights.
JUST IN: @Apple releases statement in wake of Trump admin withdrawing #trans guidance (story: https://t.co/ty70olPzll) —> pic.twitter.com/SF88ohe9WG
— Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner) February 23, 2017
Wednesday’s news came after 140 celebrities (including Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande) had already signed a letter opposing a proposed bill in Texas that would, as the letter states, “criminalize and restrict the simple act of a transgender person using the restroom that aligns with their gender identity.”
“We are deeply troubled by the current legislation that would target the LGBT community in Texas,” the letter reads. “Transgender and gender non-conforming young people also already face higher rates of family rejection and homelessness, mental health issues and suicidality.” A 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey found that 59 percent of trans Americans already are afraid enough of reprisal to avoid using public bathrooms.
Join me & hundreds of other artists in rallying against anti-LGBTQ legislation in Texas. https://t.co/MxL5H9e8DS #TXtogether #txlege
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) February 15, 2017
Bills like #SB6 etc. put LGBTQ Texans in danger. I’m urging TX leaders to support equality & acceptance: https://t.co/JMvi6vGc4Y #TXtogether
— Tatiana Maslany (@tatianamaslany) February 14, 2017
Bills like #SB6 put LGBTQ Texans in danger. I’m urging TX leaders to support equality & acceptance: https://t.co/nSfqixlbrx #TXtogether
— Ross Mathews (@helloross) February 14, 2017
Senate Bill 6 (SB6) was introduced in early January by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a local Houston radio host and proud Republican.
#MAGA to the MAX, Deplorable @loiskolkhorst!!! We’ve got #nextlevel pride world wide in the #txlege! #tcot#TEXASFIRST#TrumpPence16pic.twitter.com/BNJHwKbok2
— Lt Gov. Dan Patrick (@DanPatrickTX) October 29, 2016
According to Patrick’s list of top 25 legislative priorities for 2017, the Women’s Privacy Act is number six. This act would give, he says, “women and girls…privacy and safety in their restrooms, showers and locker rooms.” Other priorities on his list include restrictions on abortion and lowering fees on licenses to carry firearms.
The NFL has also issued a statement regarding Patrick’s proposed bill. “If a proposal that is discriminatory or inconsistent with our values were to become law there, that would certainly be a factor considered when thinking about awarding future events,” i.e. no more Super Bowl games for the football-crazed state.
Thank you @NFL for standing up for trans rights. This is what America should look like. Your patriotism and integrity is appreciated! https://t.co/utqdUrRn1R
— Aaron Ximm (@quiet) February 13, 2017
@NFL I applaud your request for trans rights and support your stancehttps://t.co/glq0SyiirH
— DJCupcake (@SubaruSlab) February 15, 2017
Related:
Trans Ontarians: ID Makeovers Are Great, But There’s More to Do
What It’s Really Like to Be Young and Trans in Canada Now
Briony’s Teeny-Tiny Talk Show Episode 20: Trans Women on Hollywood
Laverne Cox on Orange Is the New Black and Trans Activism
Gender Revolution: Mind-Blowing Facts From Katie Couric’s Special