WHEREAS:
The spectrum of medical and non-medical services broadly referred to as gender affirming care is recognized by medical professionals as appropriate and affirms and supports an individual’s gender identity; and
WHEREAS:
According to one analysis, 24 states have enacted laws limiting or entirely banning youth access to gender affirming care; and
WHEREAS:
These state laws often contain penalties for providers offering such care, including criminal prosecution; and
WHEREAS:
These state laws are driven by a hateful political ideology rather than medical best practices; and
WHEREAS:
The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups support access to gender affirming care for trans youth; and
WHEREAS:
The prevalence of mental health conditions is significantly higher among trans and gender nonconforming youth. According to the 2017 Youth Risk Factor and Behavior Survey, 1 in 3 trans youth reported a suicide attempt, compared to 7% of their cisgender peers. In a widely publicized case earlier this year, a nonbinary teen in Oklahoma died by suicide following bullying and a fight with classmates; and
WHEREAS:
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that North Carolina and West Virginia must provide coverage for gender affirming care in their state employee health plans and Medicaid, respectively; and
WHEREAS:
Delegates at the AFSCME 45th International Convention (Resolution No. 22) in 2022 reaffirmed support for the bodily autonomy of transgender individuals.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME is opposed to any effort, at either the state or federal level, to prohibit the provision of, or access to, gender affirming care in accordance with professional medical standards and guidelines; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME supports programs to provide appropriate mental health supports to trans and nonbinary youth, including school-based services.
SUBMITTED BY:
Larry Gates, Delegate
AFSCME Local 3090
Jonathan Diaz, Delegate
AFSCME Local 741
Council 36
California