We are appalled by the blatant disrespect from the Texas governor towards young trans people and their parents. Like most of the communities we support, we too are angry and fed-up by the politically motivated attacks by Abbott and other Texas law-makers on trans kids and their parents. This form of hate has no place in our community. We stand in solidarity with our transgender friends and neighbors against laws targeting the well-being of trans kids and their parents.
Recent studies have shown that gender-affirming hormone therapy is significantly related to lower rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts by young people who identify as transgender and/or nonbinary. We applaud the parents who choose to support their children on this journey and who promote good mental health into their adulthood. When these young people have access to gender-affirming care they are able to create stronger bonds with providers, which can lead to better community health outcomes. Parents should not fear legal consequences just for loving their child. Our trans children should not live in fear and shame.
ASHwell remains a proud provider of gender-affirming care. We understand the importance of quality care to help transgender people become a truer reflection of themselves. ASHwell is committed to caring for LGBTQIA2+ people in an affirming and supportive environment. We specialize in quality care for transgender communities and people of the global majority through intentional representation and centering the experiences of people who are Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian, and those who experience poverty. We will continue to use our platform as one of Austin’s longest running clinical providers for the city’s most vulnerable. We stand in solidarity with our trans friends and family and vocalize the injustices that threaten them. Transgender women led and taught us how to fight for equality. Today and every day we honor them and continue to push back on the abuse of political power. This is ASHwell’s commitment to transgender children and their parents, and to all communities we serve. Gender-affirming care is love.
In Solidarity,
Afi Y. Wiggins
Executive Director, ASHwell Sexual Health + Wellness
ASHwell is always here for you when you need us, and here are other resources you might find useful:
- The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
- The GLBT National Youth Talkline: (800) 246-7743
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
- The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
- Equality Texas: (512) 474-5475
- Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT): info@transtexas.org
- OutYouth: outyouth.org
