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Caitlyn Jenner Speaks Out Against Trump's Trans Rights Rollback

In a new Instagram video, Caitlyn Jenner calls the Trump administration's withdrawal of protection for trans students "a disaster"

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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.

I have a message for the trans kids of America. You are winning. I know it doesn’t feel that way today or every day, but you _ are _ winning. You are going to keep on winning so much you’re going to get sick of winning. Very soon, we’ll win full freedom nationwide, and it’s going to happen with bipartisan support. For all our friends out there, If you want to be part of this winning side, you can help by checking out the National Center for Trans Equality and letting Washington hear how you feel loud and clear. (Link in bio!) Now…I also have a message for the bullies. You suck. You’re losers and you’re going to keep on losing. Because you’re weak, you pick on kids or you pick on women or anyone you think is vulnerable. Apparently even becoming the Attorney General isn’t enough to cure some of you of your insecurity. As proof that you can’t stop our progress, the Supreme Court will soon hear an important Title Nine case thanks to the courage of a brave young man named Gavin Grimm. See you in court!

A post shared by Caitlyn Jenner (@caitlynjenner) on

Jenner’s comments came after the U.S. Department of Justice announced the withdrawal—essentially erasing Obama’s advancements for trans rights.

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.

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.

Senate Bill 6 (SB6) was introduced in early January by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a local Houston radio host and proud Republican.

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.

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