To Whom it May Concern:

I live in Albemarle County and I oppose Petition 432.

Whatever the intentions may be, this petition will have the effect of increasing hate, misunderstanding and discrimination toward trans people, rather than increasing safety for anyone. Labeling groups of people harmful based on who they are is wrong - morally,  legally and spiritually. 

There are real public health issues facing women and girls in Virginia, like domestic violence, maternal health, and poverty. Don’t let this misguided petition distract from your important mission to protect the health and promote the well-being of ALL people in Virginia.

Across our races, backgrounds, and genders, we all deserve to be treated fairly. There is a nationwide effort by some politicians and interest groups to force transgender people and LGBTQ+ people out of public life. These political attacks harm us all, whether we’re gay or straight, transgender or not, because they foster discrimination and distract us from the real problems we face. 

The trans people I work with as a Clinical Social Worker already spend a disproportionate amount of time in fear and worry about being accepted for who they are by their friends and family, about employment discrimination, and for their own physical safety. 

This petition has nothing to do with the health of Virginians and everything to do with discrimination. No one should face discrimination because of who they are. Trans people have always been here, and always will be. We have big problems to face as a society. People's individual expressions of gender identity are not one of them. Again, please do not be distracted my fear mongering. We all want to live in healthy communities with healthy economies. Trans people are not a threat to this. We know that inclusive, well-integrated societies are healthier and more prosperous. Please stay focused on the issues that really matter, and will improve the lives of all Virginians.