by Natalie Hanson
posted Feb. 9
LGBTQ advocates from Chico and beyond say that the Trump Administration’s jump to “criminalize and erase” transgender people will worsen an ongoing rise of hate and violence toward a marginalized community.
Stonewall Alliance Chico, a nonprofit that has served LGBTQ people for decades, told ChicoSol in a statement that Trump’s anti-trans campaign — recognizing only “biological men and women” — is the latest in an “ongoing wave” of policies attempting to erase the transgender and gender non-conforming community.
Stonewall Alliance Chico Executive Director Justina Sotelo said: “Trans people have always existed and cannot be legislated out of existence. Executive orders do not override federal or state laws, and in California, strong protections remain in place to defend trans and LGBTQ+ rights, ensuring access to healthcare, education, and legal affirmation.”