Dehumanization of the Trans Community by the Ohio GOP

The Ohio House GOP majority filed a new anti-trans bill, better known as HB454. Shifting its focus from school sports and the Trans community, HB454 would deny any child under the age of 18 from receiving any type of gender-affirming healthcare, from hormones to surgery. Not only is the bill dehumanizing to Trans folks in this way, but it also outlines punishments and blame for doctors and healthcare providers, along with school teachers, nurses, and school counselors.

HB454, also known as the Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act, is working to prohibit children receiving gender-affirming treatment and healthcare through restrictions on private insurance plans and Ohio Medicaid.  It would put sanctions on the licenses of medical professionals and impose cuts to public funding of hospitals and clinics.  It further limits what school professionals can keep from parents when a child shares anything about their gender identity, even in a private setting.

Not only does the bill withhold such types of healthcare to those under 18, but they also outline specific punishments for doctors and healthcare providers who break these laws as well. Doctors and other healthcare providers, in addition to teachers, school counselors, etc., cannot withhold information about students and children who are questioning their gender identity from their parents or guardians. Essentially, forcing them to out children to their parents, even though these are some of the most trusted adults in a child’s life. These same providers are not allowed to provide referrals to patients who need gender transition healthcare treatment. Also, under the bill, medical and mental health professionals who do provide gender transition procedures or medications could be subject to discipline by their licensing entity on the grounds of “unprofessional conduct.”

The bill discusses the “risks and lack of long term studies done on such treatments”; however these procedures are backed by science and medical organizations, as they are evidence-based treatments. Sponsors of the bill believe that children would be in danger if they were able to have access to such medical treatment. However, the real danger is forcing transgender children to go through puberty, who need hormone therapy, blockers, or other treatments restricted in HB454.

If the bill is passed, it is expected to bring about higher rates of depression and suicide among young people in the LGBTQIA+ community. 64% of LGBTQIA+ youth in Ohio surveyed said they had heard negative comments about being LGBTQIA+ from their own family, while only half of all LGBTQIA+ folks in Ohio are openly out to their families. It is cruel for the General Assembly to assume the power to make such decisions on behalf of children and their families. HB454 also demonstrates how the GOP uses children as political pawns for their gain through this withholding of healthcare.

This is not the first attack on the Trans community that the GOP has orchestrated in Ohio. This new bill mirrors HB658, introduced in 2018, that would require medical professionals and teachers to tell parents if their children were questioning their gender or were transgender or nonbinary. Additionally, the House introduced a bill earlier this year banning transgender students from participating in sports that are consistent with their gender identity, forcing them to play on teams that coincide with their assigned gender at birth. Transgender and nonbinary folks in OH are also not protected from discrimination by their employers or housing. Ohio also does not currently have a policy ensuring equal coverage for transgender or nonbinary folks who are covered under private insurance companies. This leaves the transgender community extremely vulnerable to the GOP attacks, such as HB454, and potentially much worse if we do not intervene.

At Rideshare2Vote, we know that Trans’ rights are human rights. No matter how old they are, no person should be denied the gender-affirming healthcare they need and should be guaranteed. A quarter of the Ohio House supports this bill, all supporters, and cosponsors, being republicans. People voted into office are sworn to protect the very folks who bills such as HB454 target. These bills, and other discriminatory measures being passed in states across the country, is a gross misuse of power.

Join us in 2022, where we plan to turn up voter turnout and elect Democrats who will fight for and defend our LGBTQIA+ communities everywhere. Let’s elect leaders who believe in healthcare equality and not using children to push a political agenda. Trans folks deserve better.

by Heather Tingley