Utah Log Cabin Republicans support bills that would kill transgender youth

 

Utah Log cabin Republican president Ryan Woods told kutv that HB 92, a bill to deprive trans youth of gender-affirming healthcare, wasn't about LGBT people at all.

Woods continued to say that the reason that HB 92 hasn't been introduced in committee was for fear of potential push back. That may be true as then Lt. Governor Spencer Cox earned the respect of Utah's LGBTQ community during a vigil (full video below) asking for forgiveness shortly after the Orlando massacre.

If this is any indication of the Governor's current position, HB 92 doesn't stand a chance.


HB 92 would require a state medical association committee to levy fines against doctors who prescribe puberty blockers to minors. 

Puberty blockers are a safe and time-proven procedure that has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life and lower suicidal ideation for transgender youth,. (ref. American Pediatrics Association Vol. 141, Issue 5 1 May 2018 )

The American Medical Association issued this statement clarifying their position on gender-affirming care.

Improving access to gender-affirming care is an important means of improving health outcomes for the transgender population. Receipt of gender-affirming care has been linked to dramatically reduced rates of suicide attempts, decreased rates of depression and anxiety, decreased substance use, improved HIV medication adherence and reduced rates of harmful self-prescribed hormone use.

The AMA does not approve of surgical operations until the patient has reached the age of consent.
I have had the privilege to observe the Provo City Shcool District as they strove to write their Non-Discrimination procedures worthy of the transgender affirming agenda that the district adopted unanimously in December 2020.

It is no easy task given that individuals like woods who pretend to represent the LGBT community while acting to subvert their efforts at every opportunity.

Utah Log cabin Republican president Ryan Woods offered images of a recent pride event to validate his standing.


Woods represents a far-right cult of radical >trump sycophant extremists known as "Log Cabin Republicans". They may be gay, but they are not one of us.

Looks like Mississippi’s anti-trans sports bill passed the Senate yesterday- SB 2536. I wish I was exaggerating when I said this year is filled with the most relentless legislative attacks on trans lives that I have ever seen.

— Chase Strangio (@chasestrangio) February 12, 2021

Equality Utah amazing progress in five legislative days

I was along with many others, so profoundly effected by the Mormons contribution to the passage of prop 8 became intensely interested in Saltlake cities newly formed GLBT groups.

Like a flickering candle of hope in the mountains, Utah's equality birthright was a battlefield where every attempt to find common ground was met by the goverment and the LDS with stifling overpowering opposition, threatening to extinguish the very human spirit of those courageous early campaigners for equality.

Astonishingly, Utah may emerge as a bright star of fairness if progress is maintained. Many of us are now hopefull.

From Equality Utah:

Equality Utah has been working with Representative Christine Johnson and Senator Howard Stephenson on a Fair Workplace and Housing Bill.

Today at a press conference, Leadership of both the House and Senate along with Representative Johnson and Senator Stephenson agreed to engage in an anti-discrimination study related to Housing and Employment during the Interim Session.

It was also announced that there will be NO PREEMPTIVE BILLS.

Both of these announcements represent incredibly positive developments, especially in light of what was potentially underway during this Legislative Session.

This means that we truly have the opportunity to find Common Ground in the state of Utah. Stakeholders and interested parties have agreed to continue the dialogue to gather pertinent information through the study sponsored by Rep. Johnson and Sen. Stephenson.

Most importantly, just 5 days in to the 2010 Session, we managed to defeat 5 negative bills.

• Two were outright preemptions that would have stopped ANY non-discrimination Ordinances from being enacted, including those that were already passed.

• Two were focused on stripping housing protections from the Housing and Workplace bill.

• One would have gutted the Human Rights Ordinances by allowing religious "Adherents" to discriminate.

Equality Utah is committed to providing these critical protections in Housing and Employment, and will continue to work with all stakeholders until full equality is achieved.

Working for a fair and just Utah,

Brandie Balken
Executive Director

Salt Lake Tribune'Dramatic jump' with Utahns for gay rights "More want SLC's rules to go statewide; marriage, adoption don't gain traction."

Milk in Utah!

From Equality Utah:

Equality Utah is pleased to announce the December 5th opening of MILK at Salt Lake Film Society’s Broadway Centre Cinemas – 111 East 300 South in Salt Lake City. MILK is based on the life of Harvey Milk.

Gay Rights Activist. Friend. Lover. Unifier. Politician. Fighter. Icon. Inspiration. Hero. Harvey Milk’s life changed history, and his courage changed lives.

In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into major public office in America. His victory was not just a victory for gay rights; he forged coalitions across the political spectrum. From senior citizens to union workers, Harvey Milk changed the very nature of what it means to be a fighter for human rights.

Following each show this weekend and next, Equality Utah volunteers will be in the theater lobby distributing information on our Common Ground Initiative. We are inspired by Harvey Milk and his ability to connect with voters of all persuasions. We hope to follow Harvey's example with this initiative and build a broad network of support. By doing so, we will secure rights for gay and transgender Utahns.

Show times at The Broadway are as follows:

1:00
2:00
4:00
5:00
7:00
8:00
9:40

Please take the time to see this powerful movie, invite your friends and family and prepare to be inspired!

Working for a fair & just Utah,

Mike Thompson
Executive Director

Sign the Common Ground Initiative Petition of Support!