Team – Today marks the start of Transgender Awareness Week. In a time where we’re seeing a surge of anti-trans attacks across the country, it’s never been more important to double down on our commitment to fighting back.
Let me be clear once again: I will always be an unwavering champion for equality and an outspoken ally to the trans community.
Before I go any further, if you’re ready to support this work right now, I’m asking you to chip in. A strong grassroots movement is how we protect Washington’s trans community from these escalating attacks.
This week comes at a deeply painful moment. Just days ago, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump Administration to block transgender and nonbinary people from selecting passport markers that reflect their gender identity. Another right taken away. Another door slammed shut.
And it’s not happening in isolation. The federal government has moved to strip funding from hospitals that treat trans youth. Hundreds of anti-trans bills have been introduced nationwide. Right here in Washington, conservative groups like Let’s Go Washington are pushing new anti-trans initiatives for 2026.
This is a coordinated campaign to criminalize identity, restrict healthcare, and push trans Americans out of public life.
I refuse to let that happen in our state.
As a gay man and a proud member of the Washington State Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus, I know what discrimination feels like – and I know what it means to have someone in your corner. That’s why I have fought to:
• Ban conversion therapy
• Guarantee insurance coverage for gender-affirming care
• Strengthen non-discrimination protections in healthcare
• Ensure schools protect and affirm trans students
• Make Washington one of the safest states for LGBTQ+ people in the country
I’m proud of that work, but I know we can’t stop here. Not when the Supreme Court is reversing rights. Not when the Trump administration is threatening gender-affirming care. Not when national extremist groups are targeting trans youth every single day.
That’s why Transgender Awareness Week matters. It’s a reminder that visibility is powerful, but solidarity is what saves lives.
If you believe, like I do, that every transgender Washingtonian deserves safety, dignity, and the freedom to live authentically, I need you with me. Chip in to help us organize and fight back:
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for speaking out. And thank you for standing with our trans neighbors this week, and every week.
In solidarity,
Marko
