Eliza Balch

Gender-affirming care is lifesaving care. As a teacher, I have had several trans and non-binary students. I can see the difference that it makes for them to be in spaces that affirm their gender rather that reject it. If we want to raise children who can contribute to our communities in the future, we need to show them they are welcome. For example, trans kids whose pronouns are respected are 31% less likely to attempt suicide than those who are in environments where incorrect pronouns are used. This is just one example to show how serious and life-saving gender affirming care can be. Trans people are not a threat to the public. They are kind and want to contribute to our community, and want to go out to dinner and see the northern lights and get a job and rent an apartment, just like the rest of us. Let trans kids live to be adults and protect their ability to receive care that could save their life.