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Utah Transgender Medical Bill: The Definition of Discrimination

Utah Transgender Bill 1200x630

by Affirmation

February 1, 2023

On January 28, after signing the Transgender Medical Treatment and Procedures bill, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said, “legislation that impacts our most vulnerable youth requires careful consideration and deliberation.” This bill, however, presents the definition of discrimination against transgender individuals, singularly leaving our community in immense mourning over the potential loss of life that will follow.

Medical care and procedures for those whose gender matches their assigned gender at birth (cis) are not subject to this legal bigotry. Instead, the bill allows for “permanent and life-altering treatments” for children and youth who identify as cisgender. Additionally, this bill continues to enable medical professionals to perform non-consensual and often unnecessary medical procedures on intersex children and does not protect them from such treatments.

Over the past few weeks, we have sat in the discussion, washed away tears, and worked to create a profound network of support for individuals impacted by this legal decision. We hold particular space and support for our LGBTQ+ youth and proclaim that despite what any law dictates, you are loved and accepted just as you are. Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends will continue to offer our refuge to all transgender, nonbinary, and intersex youth to land, heal and be authentic despite the continued legal and social discrimination they face.

As a global organization, we recognize that LGBTQ+ people are targets of hate worldwide as they seek to proclaim their most authentic version of themselves. We condemn these actions and call on leaders, parents, allies, and queer folks to join us as we defend and uphold the fundamental human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially equal treatment in health care.

In the meantime, we invite you to join us as we increase our immovable force of love, compassion, and service as a community and people.

As always, our hearts and actions are with our rainbow family now and always.

With love and power,

Melissa Malcolm King, President
Francisco J. Ruiz, Senior Vice President
Kate Mower, Vice President

Please see the links below for more information if you or someone you know requires mental health resources.

988 hotline- All ages and demographics
Safe Ut App- All ages and demographics
https://www.linesforlife.org/– All ages and demographics
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/ (12-24 years old)
Youthline (Peer to Peer Support for ages 10 and up) 877-968-8491
or text teen2teen to 839863

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