Yesterday was a bleak day for America’s trans community, as Donald Trump officially rescinded the protections that Barack Obama had put in place for trans students. Whereas since May 2016 the Department of Justice told schools that trans students had to be allowed to use bathrooms matching their gender identity, those guidelines no longer exist.
From the statement released by Trump’s Attorney General, Jeff Sessions:
The Department of Justice has a duty to enforce the law. [Obama’s] prior guidance documents did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX. The Department of Education and the Department of Justice therefore have withdrawn the guidance. … The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying and harassment.
(That last part is particularly a slap in the face since we know it’s not true.)
But those who oppose Trump’s anti-trans hate and policies—from some of our favorite celebrities to local politicians to even YouTube itself—are not going to sit idly by and let Trump destroy the protections we’ve worked so hard for! Among those who came out opposed to the anti-trans decision on social media are Apple, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Captain America Chris Evans, Girls star Andrew Rannells, Ellen DeGeneres, Laverne Cox and Katy Perry.
Check out some of their social media posts below:
To the LGBTQ community, I’m sorry for the message that was sent today. They don’t speak for all of us. We love you.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 23, 2017
#protecttranskids #StandwithGavin Trans people have a right to exist in public space with equal… https://t.co/iWg3WZs2I6
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) February 23, 2017
We are all a part of the same family. It’s time to stand up for one another. ✊ #ProtectTransKids #EverybodySayLove ? pic.twitter.com/D9WN8U7H0b
— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) February 23, 2017
Trans youth – I love you. I support you. You matter. I will always fight to protect you. #ProtectTransKids @HRC
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) February 23, 2017
TRANSGENDER YOUTH! I see you. I hear you. I respect you. I will protect you. #ProtectTransKids #TakeAction
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) February 23, 2017
.@realDonaldTrump: no young person should wake up in the morning fearful of the school day ahead. We must #ProtectTransKids
— Andrew Rannells (@AndrewRannells) February 23, 2017
No child should have to make this decision. #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/1BoPI5xLjq
— Feminist Culture (@feministculture) February 23, 2017
Just seeing the news about removing laws protecting trans people. This isn’t about politics. It’s about human rights, and it’s not okay.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 23, 2017
Trans friend, if you are struggling tonight, please reach out to @TrevorProject and @Translifeline. Equality for all! #ISTANDWITHGAVIN pic.twitter.com/bgipj0rmqg
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) February 23, 2017
To all the trans kids and allies out there, we support you! Your stories inspire us everyday. ? https://t.co/SXPkVyjWdF #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/kOZFO49mym
— YouTube (@YouTube) February 23, 2017
#ProtectTransKids
