In a huge win for our communities this morning, the Biden Administration announced that they will interpret and enforce federal policy to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in health care based on gender identity and sexual orientation. This is welcome news at a horrific time when the transgender community is under attack within the majority of states across this country.
Today's update was made in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County. That decision affirmed federal nondiscrimination protections in employment and said that sex discrimination includes discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Research shows that one-quarter of LGBTQ+ people who faced discrimination postponed or avoided receiving needed medical care for fear of further discrimination.
While this is cause for celebration, we can't give up the fight. If anything, this correct interpretation of binding federal law underlines how misguided and dangerous bills which attempt to ban healthcare for trans youth are. Transgender people already face disproportionate discrimination in all areas of public life, including housing and employment. Ensuring they have equitable access to health care is a step towards building a better world for our most marginalized community members.
Thank you, President Biden, for showing up for our communities when we need you most.
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