Thank you for bringing attention to the healthcare crisis transgender youth are facing locally in your Nov. 5 article, “Caring For Trans Youth.” To be turned away from necessary care just for being young and transgender is despicable. As a whole community, we need to draw the line to protect children from this kind of medical discrimination. Who would we be if we don’t draw the line at protecting children?
I was disappointed that the article reinforces a false narrative that Open Door is powerless in their decision to stop caring for transgender young people holistically. They have choices. Federally Funded Health Centers across the country are finding ways to ensure uninterrupted care for vulnerable youth while navigating unjust leadership from Washington, D.C. Now is a time for courageous, innovative local leadership that ensures our community is cared for. I’m tired of hearing Open Door’s CEO claim they don’t have a choice when they do. It is his job to lead and leading doesn’t include capitulating to bigotry at the cost of children’s health, well-being and survival.
Transgender people of all ages deserve health care. Youth who need this care and are unable to access it have well-documented negative health outcomes up to and including death. People who have been misinformed about gender affirming health care may fear children’s bodies changing from accessing this care, but the reality is that not accessing it is far more dangerous. Gender affirming healthcare saves lives. Bodies that change as a result of gender affirming healthcare are nothing to be feared. Trans bodies are beautiful.
Lark Doolan, Queer Humboldt coordinator of Systemic Change, Arcata
This article appears in El Niño is Here.
