Gordie Felger is a volunteer member of two LGBTQ+ organizations (CR Pride and Free Mom Hugs) and a One Iowa volunteer activist. He is a friend of many LGBTQ+ folks and an ally to the community. He also writes about the state of Iowa politics at “WFT Iowa?”

Far-right Republican lawmakers across the nation renewed their crusade against transgender people. Instead of solving critical issues like food insecurity, housing, and affordable health care, Iowa Republicans prioritize trampling the human rights and dignity of Iowans.

But why? Politicians make public statements about “protecting children,” but statements can hide true motives. The following examples show that lawmakers’ understanding of transgender people does not align with the reality of transgender lives.

WHAT IT’S NOT

“Protect[ing] minor children from the transgender in this culture.”—Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, speaking about conservatives’ top issues.

Correction: “Transgender” describes a person or a community; it’s not a noun. Also, “transgenderism” is not a thing. There is no “transgender agenda.” Only transgender people who want the right to exist.

Blackburn doesn’t have adequate language to speak about trans people, yet feels conservatives are qualified to legislate against them. Her statement also falsely implies that transgender people endanger children. And she openly admits that this topic is a Republican priority!

“These procedures should not be pushed on our kids.” —Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa on gender-affirming health care for minors.

Correction: Children are not pushed into receiving gender-affirming health care. It’s medical care that’s requested to help people feel comfortable in their bodies. Treatment requires a sustained, persistent desire to transition, evaluation by psychiatrists and psychologists, a medical referral, professional supervision, and parental consent.

“Experimental medical treatments that can leave [children] permanently sterile and physically marred for life.”—State Senator Jeff Edler, who floor managed the Republican bill banning gender-affirming health care for minors in Iowa.

Correction: The American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend gender-affirming health care for transgender minors. Edler, a farmer, is not a trained medical professional. His misinformed statement disqualifies him from speaking about or legislating against gender-affirming health care.

WHAT IT IS

Republican politicians spread disinformation about gender-affirming health care. So, what does it really entail?

Transitioning is an individual journey that depends on the needs of the transitioner. No two transitions are alike. Transitioning may include none, some, or all of these components:

Internal – coming out to oneself without telling others; trying a new name or dressing differently when alone

Social – coming out to others; asking others to use a new name or pronouns; dressing differently in public

Legal – changing name and gender markers on official documents

Medical – puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Surgeries are rarely recommended for minors and require parental consent. Surgeries are never allowed for preteens. Also, children receive puberty blockers and hormone therapies for other medical needs, like early-onset puberty. These treatments are not experimental. If they’re considered safe for cisgender (non-transgender) children, they should be allowed for transgender children, too.

All these measures can be reversed without causing permanent harm, which undermines the argument that banning transition care for minors “protects children” from “experimental medical treatments.”

WHAT WE CAN DO

So, what’s behind the anti-trans rhetoric and legislation? Hatred? Bigotry? Fear? Control? Misguided religious zeal? Political convenience?

It’s unfair and dangerous to assign motives to other people’s actions. What’s clear is that most Republican lawmakers don’t understand transgender people. And they seem unwilling to learn.

Yet, Iowans continue to empower their anti-trans crusade. Unless we stop doing this, we’ll all be responsible for the consequences of not protecting our transgender family and friends.

Regardless of your views, here’s the simple truth. Transgender people have always existed. Despite efforts to erase them, transgender people will continue to exist long after the current lawmakers are out of office and no longer relevant. Society has begun to evolve in understanding, compassion, and acceptance. These far-right Republicans are dragging us backward. In the meantime, trans kids are being harmed by unnecessary, cruel laws.

Elect candidates who protect transgender people!

Top photo taken at the Transgender Day of Visibility 2023 – Naarm (Melbourne) rally is by Matt Hrkac, available via Wikimedia Commons.