Open Letter to our Trans Clients, Volunteers, Supporters, and Friends

Dear Friends:

We know that transgender active service and veterans of the military are members of our community. We support you and we are so grateful for your service. Your bravery and strength to fight for our freedom abroad and for other nations, while also facing unimaginable hatred and bigotry from your own, is truly remarkable.

To all of our transgender friends, clients, supporters, and volunteers, you are not alone. We will continue to speak up and speak out to assure your safety, health, and dignity. We honor the diverse, unique perspectives and experiences you bring to our community. You make our health center a better and more inclusive place for all. You challenge us to consider our own privilege as we learn and strive to be strong allies.

It is hard to put into words how angry and heartsick this recent tweet has made us. But we will not stay silent. This administration and those who support it are putting our nation’s security at risk and unraveling decades of progress. This is unacceptable. Openly discriminating against the transgender community should not be used as a political ploy to distract from efforts to take healthcare away from millions of people. We must continue to resist. We will deepen our commitment to seeking justice for the transgender community and work harder.

For those who need a safe space and to feel supported during this time, we invite you to reach out to us. We are your allies and will continue to stand alongside you no matter what. We celebrate you and all you do to make our world a better, richer place.

In solidarity,

Andrea L. Irwin

Executive Director