On May 24, the Trump administration released a dangerous new proposal to undermine civil rights protections in health care for millions of people across the country. The proposal not only rolls back some of the most extensive health care protections we’ve ever had for LGBTQ people but would also make it more challenging for women and immigrants to access the health care they need.
The proposal specifically looks at replacing a 2016 rule from the Obama administration
that defined discrimination “on the basis of sex” to include gender identity, and removes
this broader definition.
These protections now being rolled back were designed to address health disparities among LGBTQ people, women, and those with limited proficiency in English, among many others. These protections were even more critical for transgender patients who face pervasive discrimination in health care. In a 2015 survey, 23% of transgender people reported avoiding going to a doctor even when sick or injured because of fear of discrimination, and 33% were harassed, denied care, or even assaulted by their health care provider.
Now is the time to do something. We have until August 13th to make sure that the Trump administration hears from the LGBTQ community and our allies about what this proposal means for our lives, our families, and our future.
What can you do? Visit ProtectTransHealth.org to share your story and tell the Trump administration that the new proposal will make it harder for LGBTQ people to access life-saving care. Then spread the word. Post on social media, forward this post, and make sure our voices are heard.
Now is the time to make sure that every person can access the care they need, free from discriminatory barriers, and lead healthy and productive lives.