Iowa Legislation Threatens the Safety of Trans Youth

[QUAD CITIES, IA & IL – March 22, 2023] – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed two anti-LGBTQ+ pieces of legislation into law today, one that bans gender affirming care for youth under 18 while the other requires trans students to use school restrooms that do not align with their gender identity.

“We don’t have adequate words to convey our anger,” said TPQC Chief Executive Officer Caitlin Wells (she/her). “But let’s be clear: these bills are dangerous and cruel.”

Wells stated both bills will have catastrophic results for trans and gender diverse youth.

“The idea that this protects children could not be farther from the truth. Denying people lifesaving medical care and forcing people who are trying to live their lives into spaces where they are more likely to be harassed is egregious," Wells said.

According to The Trevor Project, more than half of transgender and non-binary youth have seriously considered suicide in the past year.

“Gender affirming care improves mental health, combats gender dysphoria, and considerably lowers the risk of suicide,” Wells said. “Unfortunately, when you pair this ban with exclusionary bathroom policies, you also compromise the safety and well-being of our trans youth.”

Both the ban on gender affirming care and the bathroom bill disregard evidence-based research and recommendations by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Psychological Association.

Here are more details about the legislation:

• Senate File 538 prohibits commonly used treatments like hormone therapy or puberty blockers for any Iowan under the age of 18. Medical providers who continue to offer gender affirming care could face discipline from the licensing board or civil lawsuits. Per the bill, current patients must cease any treatments within 180 days or 6 months.

• Senate File 482 prohibits people from entering a school restroom or changing room that does not align with their sex at birth. Students would be required by law to seek parental consent for special accommodations like using a faculty or single-occupancy restroom.

These bills represent just two being pushed this session and are aligned with an alarming national trend working to reverse vital protections for LGBTQ+ people.

“While The Project urges all lawmakers, regardless of party, to act in ways that protect the dignity of all Iowans, we also anticipate that they will continue to pursue policies to the contrary,” Wells stated. “In response, TPQC will remain resolute in its opposition to legislation of this sort and committed to providing high quality healthcare to all.”

So What’s Next?

One Iowa has created a guide with helpful recommendations for individuals and families impacted by this legislation.

Resources

LOCAL RESOURCES

• Quad Citians Affirming Diversity

• Clock, Inc.

• PFLAG Sauk Valley

• The University of Iowa Health Care's LGBTQ Clinic

State-wide RESOURCES in iowa

• One Iowa

• Iowa Safe Schools

NATIONAL RESOURCES

• The Trevor Project

• Trans Lifeline

• GLAAD

• National Center for Transgender Equality

• It Gets Better

• Human Rights Campaign

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About The Project

Since 1986, The Project of the Quad Cities has served people living with HIV/AIDS through remarkable health care services. In recent years the organization’s services have grown to include:

• Case management and supportive services for people living with HIV

• STD/HIV testing with same-day results

• Counseling

• PrEP/PEP to prevent HIV transmission

• Hepatitis C care and treatment coordination

• Primary care for LGBTQ+ individuals and families

Learn more about The Project’s services at www.tpqc.org.