Editor’s note: Deborah Weinstein, Executive Director of the Coalition on Human Needs, issued the following statement Wednesday in response to a leaked Trump Administration memo proposing a backward and discriminatory definition of gender.
“The New York Times report that the Trump Administration may propose a definition of gender limited to the listing on one’s birth certificate or genetic test is extremely troubling, showing an intent to enshrine ignorance and reverse progress in protecting individual rights.

“Up to two million people in the U.S. identify as transgender. A country that values the right of individuals to live their lives in freedom must recognize their gender choices and protect them against discrimination. Recognizing individual choices can have life-and-death consequences: research shows that ensuring that transgender youth are supported and referred to according to their identified genders promotes mental health and reduces such risks as suicide, depression and self-harm.

“Misusing the law to define away access to health care, education, employment, or other programs for transgender people and others is completely unacceptable. The role of the federal government should be to ensure ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ for all Americans – not to deny inalienable rights to some of us. The Coalition on Human Needs strongly urges the Trump Administration to reject this ignorant and backward proposal.”