Conservatives in the United States have repeatedly spread disinformation and hysteria in a moral panic regarding transgender children. Though gender confirmation surgery is only available to people over 18 in the United States, they falsely claim that young children are undergoing these procedures. Though puberty blockers are reversible and often used by cisgender children, conservative politicians and media personalities falsely say they do irreparable harm.
Far-right Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has legitimized this hysteria with policy, most recently with a directive to the state's Department of Family and Protective Services.
The letter instructs the department to conduct a "prompt and thorough investigation” into any instances of children undergoing “elective procedures for gender transitioning," citing a recent opinion by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and confirmation surgery constitute child abuse.
Banning trans young people from coming to terms with their gender identity and expression can lead to dysphoria, or distress caused by the inability to express one's gender. Transgender youth are at much higher risk levels of suicide and self-harm due in part to ostracism like Abbott has instilled.
Now, five District Attorneys in Texas are publicly refusing to comply with Abbott's calls to investigate the parents of transgender children.
In response to Governor Abbott and AG Paxton's directives regarding transgender youth care: pic.twitter.com/oPHH7PBfz7
— Dallas County DA (@Dallas_DA) February 24, 2022
Signed by District Attorneys John Creuzot of Dallas County, José Garza of Travis County, Joe Gonzales of Bexar County, Mark Gonzalez of Nueces County, and Brian Middleton of Fort Bend County, the letter reads in part:
"[W]e will enforce the Constitution and will not irrationally and unjustifiably interfere with the medical decisions made between children, their parents, and their medical physicians. ... We want to assure our residents with transgender children that they are safe to continue seeking the care their children need. We will not allow the Governor and Attorney General to disregard Texan children's lives in order to score political points."
Social media users applauded the move.
Thank you, @Dallas_DA https://t.co/MjGTN7mqma
— katebornstein sez stay alive, don’t be mean ❤️ (@katebornstein) February 25, 2022
Raised in Dallas TX. I proud to see that the DA of Dallas county is standing up against the tyranny of Governor Abbott! https://t.co/5STTlXY7WJ
— Edward G. Gowan SAF, 🏳️🌈🍀💙🏄♂️😷❄️🐻BLM (@GriffenBurkes) February 27, 2022
*banging pots and pans together* NUECES COUNTY DA REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE AND PROTECTING TRANS YOUTH https://t.co/brc4iNDcg1
— Homophobic Rat Villain (@PoorPrisonAunt) February 24, 2022
Thank you for standing up for these youth. They should not have to go into adulthood carrying the scars & pain caused by having to hide who they are ... or the fear that their families will be targeted for ensuring they get the health care they need. https://t.co/5SUNdNfKn8
— Tara🏳️🌈 (@TaraSemperger) February 27, 2022
This is the America I believe in. Kindness and inspiration, not cynical cruelty. https://t.co/1INuPPSyGz
— Panda Bernstein (@J4Years) February 27, 2022
These are some very welcome good news in the midst of all the strife lately https://t.co/ZEQQap8G8e
— Senty @ Elden Ring (@SentyPurr) February 24, 2022
Meanwhile, Abbott continues to face backlash for the policy.
This decision by Gov. Abbott is a violation of basic human rights. We must work towards progress to protect LGBTQIA+ children as they deserve to feel supported and safe, contrary to the Governor's discriminatory attempts.https://t.co/a1HLxfcFug
— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) February 23, 2022
Governor Greg Abbott has ordered Child Protective Services to investigate families of transgender kids.
This is beyond cruel.
— Jack Cocchiarella (@JDCocchiarella) February 23, 2022
While Greg Abbott tries to charge parents with child abuse for the crime of loving their transgender kid, Texas is one of 19 states where corporal punishment in schools is still legal pic.twitter.com/H7j7HRbIqU
— Gillian Branstetter (@GBBranstetter) February 23, 2022
The governor shows no signs of reconsidering.
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