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John,
Our country is facing an unprecedented public health crisis with COVID-19. We know that while we still face many challenges ahead, we will come out the other side stronger. It will take time, effort, and dedication from every single one of us, but it will happen.
As we navigate our new normal, we need our leaders to ensure that all Americans are included when planning for relief from the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus. This week, Congress passed the third in a series of urgently needed relief bills. However, this bill lacked vital protections for many trans people, and we must ensure Congress addresses everyone’s needs in any relief plan going forward.
That’s why we are asking you to reach out to your member of Congress and Senators and tell them to pass legislation that:
Next week we will celebrate Transgender Week of Visibility, and now more than ever that includes making sure lawmakers address trans people’s needs during this crisis. Trans people are more likely to be in low-wage jobs, homeless, incarcerated, and living with disabilities – all putting them more at risk. As trans people are vulnerable to being denied health care due to discrimination during this public health crisis, we should remember that if this hurts some of us, it hurts all of us.
Congress needs to return to the table now and protect everyone. The virus doesn’t care about gender, immigration status, state lines, or prison gates. Until this difficult time passes, we must come together to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe and healthy.
Tell your representatives they must address this NOW.
Sincerely,
Mara Keisling
P.S. Show your solidarity with the trans community by sharing the trans pride flag on your social media profiles from March 31 - April 4 to honor #TransVisibilityWeek.
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Mara Keisling
National Center for Transgender Equality
Executive Director |
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