Equality Isn't Near

    Up to two-thirds of transgender youth consider suicide, not because they are transgender but because they are shamed for being transgender. Often families will not understand their transgender child. Many transgender and other LGBTQ+ persons will even be kicked out of their house by their parents. In Alabama, both the Senate and the House of Representatives are considering a vote on the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act. This act prohibits gender change therapy for minors as well as the withholding of certain related information from parents. 

    Alabama is the first state to pass a bill that would directly interfere with a transgender youth’s medical decisions — even in cases where they have the support and blessing of their parents.  It was really surprising to me when I found out that the Senate voted 23-4 to approve the bill and that the House has already passed a similar measure. The bill would make it a felony for medical professionals to treat transgender minors under the age of 19 with gender-affirming care. Violators could face up to 10 years in prison or a $15,000 fine.  

    Dr. Terrence Weeden, a doctor writing about this law, has said, “LGBT youth face numerous healthcare disparities such as lack of access or lack of availability of mental and medical health care professionals, lack of coverage by health insurance companies that allow medical and surgical interventions to remain too costly for youth, and the fear of bias and/or discrimination from healthcare professionals.”      

    A person’s identity and well-being should not be decided on by a law. People who identify as transgender have had their civil rights stomped on for years. They face many difficult situations because a lot of people discriminate against them for being different. I believe that regardless of gender or appearance, everyone deserves equal rights.

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