I strongly oppose this petition. 

This petition is not about safety. Instead, it is furthering a narrative of hate and fear and discrimination against trans people, and we Virginians do not stand for that.

No one should face discrimination because of who they are. Trans people have always been here, and always will be. Trans people cannot and will not be erased.  

The Department of Health serves to protect the health and promote the well-being of ALL people in Virginia. Across all races, backgrounds, and genders, we all deserve to be treated fairly.

If you have spent any real time getting to know a trans person, you will know that they are caring, authentic, genuine human beings who simply want to be themselves. Imagine being told that you cannot be who you feel you are in your heart. Being told that you are hated for who you are deep down inside. 

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. 

I would rather the Department of Health focus on supporting trans people, not discriminating against them. If the Department of Health is not willing to support ALL Virginians, then I would at least prefer the Department of Health to focus on significant, ongoing issues around maternal health, the maternal mortality rate and health disparities for women of color.