Republicans don't want us even DISCUSSING trans students

South Dakota Wants to Erase Trans and Gender Nonconforming Children Out of Existence. Fight Back Against Their Terrible New Law! Sign Now Dear friends, Earlier this year, the State House of Representatives in South Dakota passed a bill that would prevent school teachers from even acknowledging transgender identity or gender dysphoria. This is an outrageous piece of legislation that directly targets trans and gender nonconforming students in ways that could harm and endanger them. Tell the South Dakota legislature: you can't erase gender-minority students out of existence! Even worse, the bill would prevent teachers and school staff from helping students who may be struggling with their gender identity. That is incredibly dangerous. At such a vulnerable time, these children need more support and safe people in their lives to talk to, not fewer. Kids who are experiencing gender dysphoria and don't receive the necessary compassion or emotional support frequently go on to develop anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and psychological suffering. This legislation assumes that if a teacher mentions gender dysphoria or provides kindness and a listening ear, students will spontaneously "turn" trans or non-binary. This is patently ridiculous and false. Instead, talking about gender dysphoria helps students going through this sensitive period of self-exploration to know that they are not alone. Luckily, the State Senate killed this bill, meaning it won't be becoming law any time soon. But anti-trans lawmakers in South Dakota aren't giving up. In just the first few months this year, they've introduced four hateful bills to the House of Reps. It's clear they're going to keep on trying. South Dakota's anti-trans bills serve no other purpose than to make life harder for students who are already marginalized and raise their risk of serious health issues. Tell South Dakota's Governor Kristi Noem to publicly say she will stand against all similar anti-trans legislation in the future! Thank you for all that you do,   Miranda B. The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. All children should be loved and supported, but to legislators in South Dakota, that apparently doesn't apply to trans students. Tell the Governor of South Dakota to speak out loudly and clearly, and stop this anti-trans cruelty!