Friends, this is worth talking about:
As if Florida wasn’t already hostile enough to the LGBTQ+ community, there’s now a new state rule (not even a law that was passed and enacted through the legislative process!) that targets trans people by no longer allowing people to update their driver’s licenses with their correct gender identity.
And get this – they’re actually enforcing this policy by accusing trans and gender-nonconforming people of committing fraud.
I can’t overstate just how cruel this new policy is. At this point, it feels like there are no good, safe options for people in the trans community who just want to live as themselves in Florida. Trans adults who try to update their information can now be charged with criminal or civil penalties, including having their licenses suspended or revoked.
Here’s the thing: Having accurate information on a license isn’t just a nice-to-have update – it’s a matter of safety.
Simple interactions like showing an ID while traveling or going to the grocery store can be dangerous for trans and nonbinary people as harassment, discrimination, and violence against the community continue to rise.
And the worst part is that this is exactly what right-wing politicians intended.
Republican Governor (and failed presidential candidate) Ron DeSantis has been leading the way in Florida by weaponizing state agencies and introducing harmful legislation targeting not just trans adults, but kids, too.
The right-wing, extreme faction of the Republican Party is doing everything they can to inflict their cruel agenda in Congress and in statehouses around the country, and it’s causing real harm to trans folks.
We know just how high the stakes of this election are – and for trans people and the LGBTQ+ community, electing the right leaders can be a matter of life or death.
I believe we have a duty to protect trans people in Florida and all over the country from discrimination and violence – if you agree, please add your name to say you’re with me in this fight.
It’s going to take all of us working together to win back the House, hold the Senate, and reelect President Biden in November – and when we do, we’re going to do everything we can to reverse discriminatory policies and establish meaningful protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
I’m so glad you’re here with me.
-Sara
