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Florida State University senior Kaleb Hobson-Garcia addressed the Florida legislature to speak out against HB 1521, which would prevent transgender people from using bathrooms that match their gender identity.
Dressed in a suit and sporting a full beard, Hobson-Garcia challenged lawmakers, asking whether they would like him to use the women's restroom if the bill passed. He argued the bill is "rooted in trans misogyny" and "a hatred of trans women" and non-passing trans people.
According to Hobson-Garcia, the passing of the bill would endanger his safety and potentially lead to hostile confrontations both inside and outside of restrooms.
You can hear what he said in the video below.
\u201cFlorida is trying to pass HB1521 which would criminalize trans people using the bathroom consistent with their gender identity. Trans men like this being would be forced to use the women's restroom and face a risk of violence for following the law.\n\nhttps://t.co/l6eMJ4pK3h\u201d— Alejandra Caraballo (@Alejandra Caraballo) 1680093524
Hobson-Garcia said:
"I have just one question for you: To the sponsor of this bill, do you want me in the women’s restroom with you? Because if this bill passes, you’ll be requiring trans men like me to use the women’s restroom or face criminal punishment.”
"This is rooted in trans misogyny, which is a hatred of trans women. It’s rooted in your hatred of non-passing trans people because being faced with trans people makes you uncomfortable."
"You haven’t even stopped to consider the trans people who look like me who have passing privilege, which means I’m perceived as cisgender, most of the time. You haven’t even considered what me following the law would look like.”
He then pointed out what would likely happen should the bill become law, emphasizing how it would endanger his safety and the safety of others in the transgender community:
“It looks like me in the stall next to the females with my low voice and my facial hair. It looks like me with characteristics that terrify people when they’re seen on trans women. It looks like me bringing discomfort and potentially traumatic experiences to women if I follow the law."
“When this bathroom ban passes, it also puts my safety at risk. What happens when husbands see me following their wives into restrooms?” ...
"If you pass this bill today, know that you’re forcing me to use the bathroom with your daughters, wives, mothers, and sisters."
Many praised Hobson-Garcia for speaking out and condemned the Florida legislature for proposing the bill.
\u201c@Esqueer_ He\u2019s so eloquent. Fantastic speech full of truth.\u201d— Alejandra Caraballo (@Alejandra Caraballo) 1680093524
\u201c@Esqueer_ So powerful. So courageous!\u201d— Alejandra Caraballo (@Alejandra Caraballo) 1680093524
\u201c@Esqueer_ Bravoo! A great speech!\u201d— Alejandra Caraballo (@Alejandra Caraballo) 1680093524
\u201c@Esqueer_ i wish theyd put this effort into just making bathrooms genderless. you know like the ones in their own houses\u201d— Alejandra Caraballo (@Alejandra Caraballo) 1680093524
\u201c@Esqueer_ \u201cFace a risk of violence for following the law\u201d\n\nI\u2019m pretty sure this is what they want.\u201d— Alejandra Caraballo (@Alejandra Caraballo) 1680093524
\u201c@Esqueer_ So, this guy isn't supposed to use the men's room, and then someone will start screaming when he walks into the women's room...hmmm. Yeah, seems like trying to ban trans people. \ud83e\udd37\u200d\u2640\ufe0f\u201d— Alejandra Caraballo (@Alejandra Caraballo) 1680093524
\u201c@Esqueer_ That was brilliantly stated. The only reason for this biased legislation is their own fear.\u201d— Alejandra Caraballo (@Alejandra Caraballo) 1680093524
\u201c@Esqueer_ how do they plan on enforcing this? mandatory chromosome checks before using any public restroom?\u201d— Alejandra Caraballo (@Alejandra Caraballo) 1680093524
Hobson-Garcia also addressed HB 1421, which would prohibit minors from accessing gender-affirming care, such as hormone therapy and surgery. Lawmakers heard public comments on HB 1421 and HB 1521 back to back.
The proposed law includes severe penalties for doctors and healthcare providers, including arrest and suspension of their licenses, for performing or attempting to provide such interventions to minors, as well as "conspiring" to do so.
Hobson-Garcia's testimony emphasizes the obstacles faced by the transgender community and underscores the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment that respects individuals' gender identity.