Friend –

No child should have to face the level of harmful attacks that are targeting trans youth nationwide right now.

The attacks differ – some would ban access to gender-affirming health care, some ban trans kids from participating in school sports, some attempt to ban any discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in the classroom. But each one represents a harmful, coordinated effort to erase trans people from public life and weaponize people's bodies and identities for political gain – all at the expense of adolescents simply trying to grow up.

Make no mistake that this is connected to the same movement advancing statewide attempts at banning abortion right now too – a movement against our bodily autonomy and our very ability to live freely.

If we all don't take action to stop these attacks now, they will lead to the further erosion of all of our civil rights. And that's why I'm reaching out and asking you to join the ACLU by becoming a member today.

By doing so before the end of this month, you'll not only help us confront the assault on our children's rights and defend civil liberties across the country – but your donation will also double in impact thanks to a $50,000 matching gift opportunity.

Right now, the ACLU is using every tool in our toolbox to disrupt this all-out attack. And when you join as a member before the August 31 matching gift deadline, you can fuel the fight and help advance urgent work with twice the impact, including:

• Protecting access to gender-affirming health care in Arkansas and Texas.
• Battling discrimination in athletics in Idaho, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
• Defeating laws that would make it harder for trans and nonbinary people to get accurate state IDs.
• Confronting "bathroom bills" including a law we blocked in Tennessee requiring businesses to post a warning sign if they allow transgender people to use the restroom that matches their gender.
• Challenging legislation that censors discussion of topics like race, sexual orientation, or gender identity in the classroom.

With lawyers in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the ACLU has demonstrated time and time again that together, we can challenge these attacks – and win. But with new threats emerging every day, we urgently need compassionate and committed people like you to join the fight.

Please, make your matching gift today and join the ACLU in defending people's rights across the entire civil liberties landscape.

There's no denying that these attacks are overwhelming and exhausting, and part of a fight our trans community has been facing for far too long.

But especially for the young people whose lives and safety are under threat right now, I also hope that gives you the motivation and energy to keep going. Because until all of us in this country can live freely and authentically as ourselves – we cannot and will not stop fighting.

Together,

Rose Saxe
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Deputy Project Director, ACLU LGBTQ and HIV Project