Central Florida LGBTQ+ Organizations Stand Opposed to Proposed Trans Youth Medical Ban

Orlando, FL — February 3, 2020 The rights of LGBTQ+ people in Florida currently stand in a precarious state. Members of the Florida Legislature have crafted a harmful bill that threatens medical professionals with 15 years in prison for providing life-saving care to transgender youth. The proposed transgender youth medical care ban (HB 1365) is a deliberate attempt to target our state’s most vulnerable youth and comes at a time of unprecedented attacks on transgender Americans across the country.

As a united coalition of over 30 LGBTQ+ organizations in the Central Florida community, all of whom are dedicated to improving the quality of life for LGBTQ+ Floridians of all ages, we stand unequivocally opposed to Florida House Bill 1365 and call on our lawmakers to follow the guidance of the nation’s leading health organizations support gender-affirming care for transgender children – the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association, among others.

“Medical professionals are best suited to determine what medical care is in the best interest of a patient, and it is our hope that the Florida Legislator will follow their moral compass and stand with transgender youth and their families across the state.” said Heather Wilkie, Executive Director of Zebra Coalition, a member organization of the One Orlando Alliance.

“​It is unconscioable that ​the Florida House Health Quality Subcommittee​ will hear a bill today that would jail doctors for providing life-saving care to vulnerable transgender teens.” stated One Orlando Alliance Executive Director, Jennifer Foster. She added​ “Instead of passing potentially life-threatening legislation, our Florida lawmakers should be denouncing anti-transgender hate and violence in our state. This is an attack on our most vulnerable youth and, if passed, this bill will do irreparable damage to the lives of transgender kids. We urge everyone to contact their Representatives and demand they oppose HB 1365.”

Contact: Heather Wilke, Zebra Coalition
hwilkie@zebrayouth.org​ // 407.399.0774

Contact: Jennifer Foster, One Orlando Alliance
jfoster@oneorlandoalliance.org​ // 321.299.8531

About One Orlando Alliance

One Orlando Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to unify and empower LGBTQ+ organizations in Central Florida. The coalition includes over 40 organizations working together to transform Central Florida into a safe and inclusive community where all LGBTQ+ people can thrive. For more information, go to www.oneorlandoalliance.org.