Ohio Families Request Emergency Funds to Flee State After Trans Care Ban Passed
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At least 68 families in Ohio have been left with no choice but to request emergency funding to flee the state, after Ohio’s Senate officially passed a ban on gender-affirming care for trans minors. This devastating blow comes after the Senate voted to override Governor Mike DeWine’s veto of House Bill 68, which also prohibits trans athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
The bill, which is set to become law in 90 days, has sent shockwaves through the transgender community in Ohio. Trans advocacy group TransOhio, which recently launched an emergency fund to support families seeking to relocate or travel for gender-affirming care, has already received numerous calls from concerned families.
Dara Adkinson, Secretary of the board of TransOhio, spoke to NBC News about the distressing situation. Adkinson revealed that 68 families and seven trans adults had reached out in the days leading up to the Senate vote, desperately seeking emergency relocation funding. These families are being forced to uproot their lives, selling their homes, changing jobs, depleting their savings, and even closing businesses and medical practices. The trauma being inflicted on these families by the government is unimaginable and cruel.
Governor DeWine had vetoed the bill, following conversations with transgender and non-binary youth, their families, and medical professionals to better understand the implications of gender-affirming care. He argued that medical decisions should be left to parents rather than the government. Unfortunately, his concerns were disregarded.
During Wednesday’s Senate debate, co-sponsor of the bill Republican Sen. Kristina Roegner made false claims about gender-affirming care. She stated that there was “no such thing” as gender-affirming care and that it was impossible to affirm something that doesn’t exist. These statements are not only factually inaccurate but also dismissive of the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness and importance of gender-affirming care. Major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, the American Medical Association, the World Medical Association, and the World Health Organization, all endorse gender-affirming care.
Ohio has now become the 22nd state to pass a law restricting trans minors from accessing gender-affirming care. Additionally, it is the 24th state to restrict trans girls and women from participating in women’s school sports teams. This growing trend of legislation targeting transgender individuals is deeply concerning and threatens the well-being and rights of an already marginalized community.
The impact of this ban on transgender youth cannot be overstated. Gender-affirming care is a lifeline for many trans minors, providing them with the support and medical treatments they need to live authentically and alleviate gender dysphoria. Denying them this care not only exacerbates their mental health struggles but also sends a message that their identities are invalid and unworthy of recognition.
It is disheartening to see Ohio join the list of states that prioritize discrimination over the well-being and rights of transgender individuals. The consequences of this ban are devastating for the affected families who are being forced to leave their homes and communities in search of acceptance and support. It is crucial that we continue to fight against these harmful policies and advocate for the rights and dignity of all transgender individuals.
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“Emergency relocation funds for Ohio families affected by trans care ban”
