We Won’t Be Erased

We unequivocally condemn the recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report promoting "gender exploratory therapy," a deeply harmful practice that is nothing more than a rebranding of the discredited practice of conversion therapy. This latest move isn't rooted in medical evidence, reality, or the lived experiences of trans youth and their families—it is a dangerous, harmful, and politically-driven assault aimed at legitimizing the erasure of transgender identities and preventing our access to care.

Every major medical and mental health organization—including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association—has made clear that gender-affirming care is safe, effective, and lifesaving. The administration’s choice to ignore these medical experts is not only irresponsible, it’s deliberately harmful.

Furthermore, it is grotesque and hypocritical for this administration to speak of protecting children from "mutilation" while ignoring the medically unnecessary surgeries performed on intersex infants—procedures that cause lifelong physical and emotional trauma, driven solely by outdated gender norms and stigma. True care means ending these non-consensual surgeries, not attacking essential gender-affirming treatments overwhelmingly supported by medical consensus.

The blatant hypocrisy and misuse of power by this Administration is starkly evident - under the pretense of “safeguarding children,” they simultaneously cut critical funding to lifelines such as the LGBTQ+ youth mental health crisis hotline. This is dangerous, selective compassion, wherein genuine efforts to support vulnerable youth are disregarded or deliberately undermined. This calculated neglect not only endangers the mental health and well-being of countless young people, it starkly highlights the cynical manipulation of political narratives at the expense of those most needing support. Real protection of youth demands consistent care, support, and resources—not this strategic abandonment driven by hateful, discriminatory political agendas.

This HHS report is not isolated, it’s part of a relentless campaign by the administration to target marginalized communities, sow division among Americans, and push a violent, hateful agenda that directly threatens the health and lives of queer and trans youth.

We are outraged and worried. The harm is measurable. Vermont’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) clearly shows that queer and trans youth experience significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation—not because they are queer or trans, but because of societal stigma and discrimination. This is Minority Stress Perspective: the chronic damage resulting from living in a world that persistently rejects, marginalizes, and stigmatizes your identity.

Young people have clearly articulated their priorities, emphasizing the importance of recognizing LGBTQ+ youth as experts in their own experiences, addressing systemic inequities in healthcare and justice, creating inclusive community spaces, and fostering continuous learning and unlearning, particularly among adults. They call for strengthened cross-racial alliances, and equitable educational practices, including truthful curricula and robust anti-discrimination protections. Furthermore, youth advocate for sanctuary policies to protect immigrant youth and families, underscoring a comprehensive, inclusive approach to genuine support and empowerment. We must actively listen and respond to what youth themselves are telling us about how to reduce the stress and onslaught of obstacles they face. (READ: Youth Priorities: Protect Our Rights in Schools & Communities)

The data is clear and we must align our actions accordingly: LGBTQ+ youth thrive when supported by affirming adults who reject this hateful rhetoric and misinformation. We call on allied adults—parents, teachers, mentors, neighbors—to actively stand up, speak out, and visibly demonstrate solidarity with trans youth. Educate yourselves, challenge misinformation, and hold policy makers accountable.

Trans and queer people have always existed and always will. We see you, we affirm you, and we love you. Going backwards is not an option. We will carry forth together.