LGBTQ Groups, Elected Officials, Doctors

 Support Making Minnesota a Trans Refuge State

 

Earlier today, as part of a national effort happening in 19 states, legislation prohibiting any attempts of outside jurisdictions or entities from reaching into our state with their laws to take action on people who come to Minnesota to receive gender-affirming care was introduced. 

 

In response a coalition of community groups released the following statement:

 

“While we cannot control what happens in the states outside of Minnesota, we can control how Minnesota responds. That’s why we offer our strongest support for ensuring trans youth and families who seek gender-affirming care in Minnesota can do so without fear. Seeking this care is a fundamental right, and no one should face criminal consequences for receiving the health care that they need to live a full life. The legislation introduced today, SF 4525, HF 4822, is a necessary and vital step in affirming that Minnesota is a state that opens its doors to those who need help, safety, and refuge.” 

 

Below is a list of organizations who have signed on in support of this statement:

 

  • Transforming Families Minnesota

  • Gender Inclusive Schools

  • Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition

  • QUEERSPACE collective

  • OutFront Minnesota

  • Reclaim

  • Gender Justice

  • Aliveness Project

  • Rainbow Health

  • Family Tree Clinic

  • Stonewall DFL

  • Our Space

  • RARE Productions

 

Hannah Edwards, Transforming Families Minnesota Leadership Team, and mother of a trans child:

 

“Transforming Families Minnesota knows firsthand that gender expansive children who are supported by their families and communities have the opportunity to thrive. Every parent/caregiver must be able to follow the expert advice of the medical professionals who are part of their child’s care team in order for their child to be healthy and happy. This means accessing affirming healthcare support. Although we know that circumstance does not allow most families to leave their lifelong homes because of the discriminatory laws being enacted across the country, we will welcome those come to Minnesota with open arms and resources to celebrate their trans children for their full and authentic selves.”

 

Additionally, a number of local elected officials have also signed on to support this effort. 

Andrea Jenkins, 8th Ward City Council Member and Council President:

“The nationwide attacks on transgender rights, reproductive rights, and women’s rights are an attack on our democracy. We must continue to fight in solidarity to ensure access to autonomous healthcare – it is a human right.”

 

Doctors are also in support of the legislation introduced today. Among these doctors are:

 

  • Dr. Rhamy Magid, of The HCMC Pediatric Gender Clinic

  • Dr. Angela Goepferd, of The Gender Health Program at Children’s Minnesota

 

Dr. Rhamy Magid, of The HCMC Pediatric Gender Clinic:


“As pediatricians, we are focused on a broad but critical outcome: the physical and emotional wellbeing of our young patients. It is therefore profoundly offensive to us to witness politicians cynically manipulate and terrorize children and their families, and to do so by targeting health care that we know prevents illness and death. The opinions and legislation in Texas and Alabama are not based on science, nor are they motivated by genuine concern for human well-being. They are about scoring political points. And the price for those points will be paid in children’s lives. Hundreds to thousands of targeted children will pay in emotional and physical harm. They will pay in separation from loving and supportive homes. They will pay in trauma that will persist for years, likely a lifetime. And we all - society as a whole - will also pay. We will pay in dollars, in lost human potential, and in collective moral degradation if we fail to protect these young people now. I want to thank Senator Dibble and Representative Ryer for representing our best instincts to protect vulnerable people who are under assault. Minnesota will stand up for the rights and safety of every human being against the tyranny of zealous bigots and the politicians who court them.”