I inherently oppose this petition. 

This petition is not about safety or "health". Instead, it is furthering a narrative of hate and fear and discrimination against trans people, and as a Virginian, I 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 will not be erased and must be treated with human decency.

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. 

This is part of a nationwide effort by some politicians and minority 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 improving care options in rural areas, ensuring that there are no "care deserts" in our state.