To transgender youth and families in Nebraska: We see you. We stand with you. You belong here. You deserve all the care and support that is socially provided.
With a cruel and arbitrary slap in the face to loving parents who are seeking the best specialty medical care to ensure the thriving of their vulnerable children, members of the current federal administration once again ignore science and decency in a threat to public health and the well-being of children—including thousands of transgender youth and their families right here in Nebraska. Attempts to intimidate and threaten these members of our families, neighbors, friend groups, and the health professionals who are dedicated to their care join the ongoing list of illegal attempts to harm so many who live here in our state and contribute to our collective public fabric.
The vast majority of Americans can remember who, in their own youth, were those most bullied and teased, often being those who would not or could not conform to rigid and arbitrary gender expectations. Often called “tom boys” or “sissies”, these individuals are simply being their natural selves, as any parent, friend, sibling, or observer knows, and to have grown and responsible adults pile on in their violent abuse is unacceptable.
Anyone who has lived on a farm or worked closely with livestock or other animals knows that there is a wide variation in natural behavior in how all living things express their gender and sexuality. Many species are able to, and do, change their sex as part of the way they were created, how biology is expressed in the world. Across all of human history and in all cultures and societies, there is a full expression of gender identities, though different societies demonstrate varied levels of love, understanding, acceptance, or, in this instance, harsh rejection.
This indecent step towards cruel intolerance directly harms Nebraska families in situations where our state has already created substantial barriers to care through the restrictive regulations passed in 2023. Some states have already created substantial numbers of internal refugees here in the United States among those simply seeking regular and expert medical care. These new federal proposals would leave Nebraska families with nowhere to turn and medical professionals unable to follow their professional ethics.
These proposals would harm thousands of transgender Nebraskans and their families, dozens of Nebraska hospitals, and hundreds of Nebraska healthcare providers. They would force our doctors to choose between their ethical obligations to their patients and the threat of losing federal funding. They are another example of billionaires seeking to line their pockets with funds drawn from denial of life-saving healthcare.
Gender-affirming care is evidence-based, medically necessary healthcare supported by every major medical association in the United States, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. When transgender youth have access to supportive healthcare, family acceptance, and community belonging, they thrive.
OutNebraska has worked to advance nondiscrimination protections, bodily autonomy rights, educational opportunities, and community growth in Nebraska. We have a particular commitment to ensuring transgender people—especially transgender youth and youth of color—are protected from discrimination and able to live authentically with dignity and respect as they experience full inclusion as their authentic selves.
To transgender youth in Nebraska: You are not alone. Your life has value. Your identity is real and valid. You deserve the healthcare you need to thrive.
To families: You know your children. Trust your instincts, trust your doctors, and know that seeking affirming care for your child is an act of love.
To allies and all Nebraskans: Now is the time to speak up. The public comment period is open. Tell the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that Nebraska families deserve access to evidence-based medical care.
Nebraska is for all of us.
– A.T. Miller
Interim Executive Director, OutNebraska