Yesterday, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of federal funding for the 988 LGBTQ Youth Suicide Helpline, abruptly ending a vital lifeline for countless young people across the country.
Then, today, the Supreme Court issued its decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
These two events—arriving back-to-back—create a perfect storm for trans+ youth, who already face disproportionately high rates of mental health crises and suicide. Dismantling specialized support at the very moment that legal protections + affirming healthcare are being stripped away sends a clear and chilling message:
In the opinion of this administration and this court, the lives and wellbeing of transgender, nonbinary, queer youth are not valued.
The consequences of these decisions will be measured in real lives lost. Those responsible will have our youths’ blood on their hands—not just as a result of one action, but as the devastating outcome of this coordinated and cruel policy storm.
But no one can erase our histories or our futures with the simple stroke of a pen. Trans people have always existed.
TRACTION will keep fighting for our community with refreshed determination. We will continue advocating for the rights, safety, and dignity of trans+, queer+ people, especially our most vulnerable.
Our commitment is unwavering, and our resolve has never been stronger. We refuse to let despair win.
In Solidarity,
C. Michael Woodward (he/him)
Executive Director
