Recently, we have witnessed the horrifying declaration by the Texas Attorney General that supporting transgender children is an act of child abuse, followed by the order by the Texas Governor that any parent who supports medical care for their trans child be charged with child abuse. They’ve gone so far as to order that any adult who knows of a parent supporting their trans child’s transition must report that action to their child protective agencies.
The statements that supporting trans youth is an act of child abuse defies the current scientific and medical consensus. The American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all support affirming treatment of trans youth, citing decades worth of extensive research which demonstrated that supportive health care dramatically improves minors’ mental health and overall well-being.
Families who support their trans youth are intimately aware of the dangers inherent in not supporting their children through their process of transition. Johns Hopkins’ research found a strong correlation between trans adolescent suicide and “rejection from primary support systems.” It is literally a life and death situation. Parents who help their children gain medical support for their transition already experience a great deal of isolation. They’re often faced with decisions that most of their peers don’t have to face. And now these parents have become the most recent target in a political shell game, creating fear and confusion in an already difficult situation.
The clinicians and staff at River City Psychological Services want all members of the LGBTQIA+ community to know that we see you and support you. But today, we are sending out this specific message of support to the trans community and the parents who love and affirm their trans children. We see your braveness and your commitment to health and wellness. We will stand with you in your journey and will advocate for your rights. We stand against any legislative efforts to attack and discriminate against transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth.
Here is a link to contact the legislation in Texas to advocate:
https://secure.everyaction.com/89_voPSkHUiqpCb4gpWHHQ2