Advocates for Youth condemns Missouri’s recently passed bans on gender affirming care for minors and on trans youth participating in sports.  The bill was passed with minimal debate after opponents were denied the right to speak.

Gender-affirming care is a course of treatment that has been endorsed by the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, and proven over decades to be vital to the mental health and wellbeing of transgender people. It is age-appropriate, life-saving, medically necessary care.  

All young must be able to access the benefits of an education free from sex discrimination, including athletics. Young people deserve to feel supported and to thrive in school.

All over this country, we are witnessing a concerted effort to bring an end to the very existence of transgender people. It is imperative that everyone speak out against transphobia and look for ways to ensure transgender people in our communities are safe and supported. We should be celebrating all young people, including transgender young people, for who they are and helping them thrive – not codifying discrimination and bullying into our laws.