TransLash Media Founder and CEO Imara Jones was invited to be a guest speaker at the Transgender Day of Visibility Rally at the Texas Capitol’s south steps on April 2, 2022.
As reported by the Austin-American Statesman, the scene flourished with community members holding flags and signs of support for transgender children & adolescents, after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the state child welfare agency to investigate families allowing gender-affirming medical care to their transgender youth. The event was hosted by All in For Equality Coalition members: Texas Freedom Network, Human Rights Campaign, ACLU Texas, Equality Texas, Transgender Education Network of Texas and Lambda Legal. Watch our recap video below!
Transgender Day of Visibility, observed annually on March 31, was a day for protests this year, as Texas courts are examining whether Abbott can order gender-affirming medical care to be treated as child abuse. Attorney General Ken Paxton, who called gender-affirming care child abuse under state laws prior to the governor’s order, said investigations into parents providing gender-affirming medical care to their children should continue. These investigations could result in criminal charges against parents, or children being removed from their homes.
Saturday’s rally celebrated transgender Texans and reinforced to them that they are safe and valued. The rally also served as a protest of legislation and orders against transgender people. Some of the speaker lineup included “Queer Eye” star and athlete Angel Flores, athlete Andraya Yearwood from Hulu’s “Changing the Game,” and “Big Sky” actor Jesse James Keitel.
“The attacks on the transgender community are appalling, and it’s really traumatic for them. We planned this event because it’s more important now more than ever to make sure we’re showing them support and knowing just how beautiful they are,” said rally organizer Carisa Lopez, Texas Freedom Network senior political director.
The Associated Press reported that Texas caseworkers are saying that allegations about transgender children have received elevated status and differed from normal investigation protocols. The Texas Supreme Court is expected to decide if the state can resume these investigations.
Medical experts, including the Texas Pediatric Society and Texas Medical Association, have opposed the state’s actions against transgender youths. LGBTQ advocates have said Abbott and Paxton are twisting state law to meet personal political goals and biases.
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