F%k Texas

Pandering to conservative Republican wingnut’s opposition to gender-affirming care for young transgender Texans, Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the state child welfare agency to investigate reports of "gender-transitioning procedures" as child abuse.

Yes. He calls it child abuse. Abbott’s transphobic, bigoted, uneducated, uncaring move came one day after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a written opinion defining gender-affirming care as child abuse under state laws; state lawmakers have considered but have not been able to pass such bills in this past year so Paxton and Abbott are sidestepping the law for their own hatred.

Of course, the wingnuts slithered out of the shadows to praise Paxton and Abbott, like Republican asshat Matt Schaefer, who said:

"[Paxton’s] opinion means nothing if it’s not enforced. The truth is, though, that we need a special session immediately to address this now that we have the backing of the attorney general’s office. We are not going to back down on this—this is a hill we are ready to die on."

He wants to die on a hill calling the parents of trans kids, parents who accept and understand and love their children and hope to make their transition into their true selves, a crime; a crime.

The Texas Pediatric Society, Texas Medical Association and Texas Academy of Family Physicians, educated medical professionals, not rightwing politicians looking to turn the clock back to the 1950s, opposed last year's legislative efforts to limit gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, which doctors described as reversible medication that delays the onset of physical changes to allow time for transgender Texas youth to consider more permanent options.

Texas Freedom Network President Val Benavidez said the state action could deny "life-saving care for transgender youth":

"Transgender people already experience stigma and discrimination, harassment and violence simply because of who they are. Regardless of opposition from child welfare and medical groups, Paxton and the Texas GOP continue to create barriers and laws that strip transgender children and their families of civil and equal rights."

And simple respect.

All children, even children growing up in The Hate State of Texas, deserve the right to grow up healthy and learn to take care of their bodies in a way that helps them live full, happy lives as they identify.

But, again, Texas Republicans seek to punish educated, loving, concerned parents for being educated, loving, concerned parents.

And if you think this is the end of Abbot and Paxton’s shenanigans, just wait; they’ll find a new group of ‘others’ to come for, until they have eradicated anyone that isn’t straight white cisgender male.

Be very careful, all you "other" Texans, you may be next.

Statesman