The Hanover County Branch of the NAACP strongly opposes the anti-transgender petition currently before the Virginia Board of Health. This petition does not represent the values of inclusion, dignity, or public health—it is instead an attempt to marginalize and stigmatize a vulnerable population that already faces disproportionate barriers to care and safety.

The Hanover County Branch was established in 1946 at the First Union Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, Virginia, with a vision of advancing the principles of equality and justice for all. For nearly 80 years, we have worked to uphold the civil rights and humanity of every person—regardless of race, gender, or identity. We see this petition as part of a broader trend of political attacks on transgender individuals, especially youth, and we reject it unequivocally.

Transgender people, like all people, deserve access to affirming, evidence-based health care without fear, judgment, or political interference. The role of the Virginia Board of Health must be to protect public health—not to entertain discriminatory proposals that undermine it.

The Hanover NAACP stands with the transgender community in Hanover County and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. We urge the Board to reject this petition and reaffirm its commitment to health equity, human dignity, and equal protection under the law.

Respectfully submitted,

Hanover County Branch NAACP