What happens in SC will impact trans youth across the South

John – I’m writing to you from my home state of South Carolina, where just days into the 2024 legislative session, extreme lawmakers have already voted to advance legislation blocking transgender youth from accessing affirming medical care. A House vote could happen as soon as today.

South Carolina is one of the last states in the South where trans youth can access the medically-necessary care they need. That means if this bill passes, it will harm not just transgender youth in SC – but so many other families across the South who have traveled to South Carolina to receive medical care after the passage of bans in their home states.

Transgender youth in South Carolina should be focused on their new semester at school like all other young people – but instead they are the targets of a cruel political agenda. Can you let them know they aren’t alone by sending a quick message of support and love?

Send some love to transgender youth and their families who are under attack in South Carolina. We’ll share your messages with advocates and families in SC. ([link removed])
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Yes, there’s some bad news coming out of South Carolina, but I also want to be sure you’re hearing the good stuff: The power demonstrated by our local transgender and allied community in South Carolina has been nothing short of heroic.

Every week, transgender South Carolinians and their allies – including so many inspiring parents – are at the State House, sharing their stories, making their voices heard and doing whatever it takes to stop this bill from happening.

As a steering committee member of the SC United campaign, CSE has been on-the-ground at the State House to support our growing coalition. Just this week, we succeeded in removing two particularly heinous elements of the bill. And when the bill was heard in subcommittee this week? 48 people testified against it to protect transgender youth – and only one in support. 48-1!

When lawmakers ignored the voices of the transgender community, their families, and medical professionals who all called on them to reject this bill, our community immediately assembled on the steps of the State House to form a giant trans pride flag – letting lawmakers know that we aren’t going anywhere:
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It takes a lot of courage and energy to fight back against discriminatory bills – and right now, transgender people in South Carolina are in the thick of it.

I know your message of support could really make a difference – and would let so many of my friends and colleagues here in SC know that we aren’t alone. Will you share a brief message of love and support for trans people in SC? ([link removed])

We’re going to fight this with everything we’ve got. Thanks for having our backs.

Ivy Hill
They/Them
Director of Gender Justice, Campaign for Southern Equality
Steering Committee, SC United for Justice & Equality

P.S. SC United is organizing around the clock to stop this terrible bill. You can help support this work by chipping in $10 or more today – every penny will fuel this important campaign to protect transgender youth in South Carolina. ([link removed])

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