Despite over a hundred West Virginians testifying against HB 2007, the banning of gender affirming care for minors, on Tuesday, HB 2007 passed through the House 84-10. Gender affirming care is healthcare - these are the delegates who voted to strip away that healthcare.
The discussion on the House floor was incredibly shocking and misleading. Delegate Geno Chiarelli, who is supported by the christofascist organization, the New Columbia Movement, claimed there’s an “appetite” for anti-trans legislation and urged passage of HB 2007. Delegate Honaker spoke on “bringing children to Christ” and how “children make terrible decisions” before leading into he places tape on the doors of other children in hotels, how he doesn’t believe parents always make the best decisions, which is why he would be voting “yes”. It is vile that transgender lives are being used for political gains and a platform on which to spread misinformation.
It is likely we will see WV's anti-trans bill HB 2007 on the Senate agenda next week. We will also likely see large organizations fundraising off the trauma of trans folks. Instead of donating to these organizations, I encourage y’all to donate directly to gender affirming care providers like the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, or legal groups like the ACLU of West Virginia.
To my transgender siblings and parents of trans youth, please allow yourself space to grieve and rest. You are loved. You are valid. You are seen.