I strongly - no, I vehemently oppose this petition.

This petition has nothing to do with safety. Instead, it advances a narrative of hate and fear and discrimination against trans people, and we as 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.  Anyone who thinks they can get rid of them is

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. 

There is a nationwide effort by some politicians and interest groups to force transgender people and LGBTQ+ people back into hiding. These political attacks harm us all, whether we’re gay or straight, trans or cis, because they foster discrimination and distract us from the real problems, big ones, that we would be more powerful against if we worked together.  

I would strongly prefer that the Department of Health focus on providing services to people with autism and other disabilities.