HilHighlights:
LGBTQ Rights
By Grayson Dickinson
With the new presidential administration in place, a lot has been been changing in the trans/genderqueer community. And not really for the better. Peoples’ safety that they have a right to is slowly being taken away from them only because of their personal identity and how it does not fit into the beliefs of others. In mid July of 2017, Trump announced a military ban against transgender U.S. citizens.
He posted on twitter “After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military. Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Thank you.”
However, federal judge, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, blocked this from happening. But if this did go through, it would prevent valid citizens who are willing to give their time and/or life for this country from doing so and getting the health care that they deserve.
Besides an attempted military ban, in the past year, there has been a minimum of 25 reported murders of Transgender citizens marking 2017 as the deadliest year for trans and gender non-confirming citizens. The most recent incident was at a Las Vegas Trans bar on the 23rd of February. Unfortunately, it has not been as prioritized as it should be. This is very significant because it shows that trans people (especially trans women of color) face higher Rates of physical and sexual violence in the LGBT community.
There were no reported deaths but one women was shot in the leg.
Aside from murders, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in lgbt youth (12-24).
“In a national study, 40% of transgender adults reported having made a suicide attempt. 92% of these individuals reported having attempted suicide before the age of 25.” -The trevor Project
Students don't feel safe when they should be.
They are shown prejudice and hate and are distracted from the education that they deserve because of internal and external conflicts. None of it is fair.
Already, 10 states have introduced anti-trans bills. 9 of these bills would ban trans youth and adults from using their preferred bathroom but instead they have to use the bathroom that matches their assigned gender at birth. In particular, Kentucky (following the bathroom ban) would allow people to sue a school if they were to see a trans/gender queer student in their preferred bathrooms giving them no safe space.
New Hampshire's bill (currently in committee) Would make it illegal for physicians to provide transition related surgical care for people under the age of 18. Bill HB1560 is by far one of the most dangerous. It would prohibit people on the new hampshire medicade plan from getting coverage for hormonal therapy and reconstruction surgeries. 4 other states have introduced bills similar to these.
The costs for these emotionally and physically are devastating. It would drain people mentally and it would be near impossible to pay for these out of your own pocket without later being in debt.
In Oregon, people are shown more legal equality. On May 19th, 2014, same-sex marriage was legalized. Domestic partnerships for same-sex couples have been available since February 4, 2008, when the Oregon family fairness act took effect. Our state has provided benefits to same sex couple since 1998. Same-sex couples can jointly adopt or do step-parent adoption. Lesbian couples can also have access to IVF and assisted insemination. Male couples can also get access to surrogacy. Since January 1, 2008, Oregon has banned discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on both sexual orientation and gender identity.The protections were added by the Oregon Equality Act. The state also covers medical bills for gender reassignment surgery and hormonal therapy.
These are all incredible for the community but there is still more to be done and we have a long way until equal rights include everyone.
By Grayson Dickinson & Anonymous
Our generation being the future should be able to love whoever we want. Thanks to former President Obama we have taken a big step towards having a little bit more freedom for the LGBTQ community.
“We are big and vast and diverse; a nation of people with different backgrounds and beliefs, different experiences and stories, but bound by our shared ideal that no matter who you are or what you look like, how you started off, or how and who you love, America is a place where you can write your own destiny.” President Obama, June 26, 2015.
Not only should we be able to love whoever we want we should be able to walk down the street without being harassed on our sexual orientation. Mom’s shouldn’t pull kids away from LGBTQ couples just because they are holding hands. Student should be able to use bathrooms no matter what sex they consider themselves. As a student who knows their own sex I believe that I have right to use the women’s bathroom just as a transgender girl. Being friends with transgender people they have talked to me about being frustrated about using school bathrooms. Our school should consider building some gender neutral bathrooms because every student should be treated equally. Recently our school has passed a bond and I’m sure handful of people are wondering if they have included building gender neutral bathrooms. Schools should be a place for students to discover themselves and be able to express themselves. Grant High School has plans on making gender neutral bathrooms. “Oregon is one of 17 states that have laws that specifically protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students in schools.” (Hillsboro Tribune). Hillsboro staff are trained and ready to handle any issues that may arise.