Less than one decade ago, we were proud that our state had codified the protection of gender identity into RSA 354-A. Now, I watch in dismay as our legislature seeks to carve out exceptions to the law, to restrict healthcare for transgender youth and to block their participation in sports. I keep seeing Republican senators and representatives state that they wish to protect minors. I’m wondering who protects minors from these politicians.

People have tried. Legislative committees have heard overwhelming support of transgender people from the public and medical professionals. Another accusation is that many detransition, something that is not true. Somewhere close to 97% of transgender people never look back, despite facing public scorn. Blockers buy time. The absence of them condemns a transgender person to a lifetime of misery. Many will choose to seek other ways to address it if blocked by law, an adverse consequence creating high risk, similar to choices made when abortion is banned. I’m old. I also knew by 1960 that my gender was not as others perceived it. I do not want young trans people to face what I did thereafter. Say no to these proposed laws.

Raye Ellen Douville

Gilford