The Threat to LGBTQ healthcare from extremist politicians
By Loralee Bergdall
In November of last year, the Medical Board of Florida, in a 6-3 vote, passed a new standard of care for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse pediatric patients within the state. The new guideline sought to redefine the treatment options available for doctors and patients under the age of 18 within the state. This new standard of care uproots the precedent within the state that has historically allowed for patients, their parents, and doctors to make decisions concerning hormone blockers and treatment. The new adjustment within the state comes as no surprise, as the GOP within the state launches increasingly aggressive attacks against the LGBTQ+ community. As with many democracies, the treatment of vulnerable communities, including the LGBTQ+ have become a litmus test of freedom. In countries such as Russia, where regressive policies towards the community often signal to lessened freedoms for such groups[1]. Ron Desantis follows suit–his increasing negative rhetoric, and policy agendas against these communities predates increasingly discriminatory movements. However, a more troubling development in these practices comes not from the decision itself, but rather, from the procedural malfeasance leading to the passage of the new standard of care.
The Florida Medical Board, under the oversight of the Department of Health, is appointed by the governor of the state. Ron DeSantis, the up and coming “GOP Darling”, has proven to be an adamant and aggressive advocate for anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-immigrant and anti-democracy policies. The medical board is no exception. All 14 members of the board were appointed by DeSantis–with no deviation from party affiliation. This declaration from a partisan appointed board, specifically sought to undermine the legislature’s unwillingness to draft legislation dictating medical care, highlights the lengths by which the GOP is willing to go to bypass constituent integrity. Undoubtedly so, rather than being driven by genuine belief (although, they may in part), serves as a distasteful political slam-dunk. Days before the gubernatorial election, DeSantis stuck to his guns, shooting down trans rights in the state. Despite public opinion currently weighing in on these matters, the hearing only consisted of pro-restriction speakers, the doctors allowed to speak were only in support, and public comment was closed off[2]. This could very well be considered a flagrant violation of democracy, as the actions of the board were decided by partisan members, who shut the meeting off to outside opinion. Against the board’s opinion, medical literature affirms resoundingly that gender-affirming care is lifesaving care[3]. Although public opinion remains relatively mixed, 64 percent of Americans support protection from discrimination, even if they believe gender is determined by assigned sex at birth[4]. In younger voters, this is especially true. Moreover, Generation Z is outpacing Boomers in the voting record, increasing their presence from the 2020 elections by 289 percent. These young voters, mostly democrats, are leading the way in protection for trans rights, ranking in the highest percentage of a demographic to believe in fluid gender identity (72%), and 30 times more likely to believe society has not gone far enough to protect trans people.[5] While older voters remain steady in opposition, most younger voters continue to show out in solidarity with the trans community. Their ever growing presence in politics undoubtedly could reroute the course of our legislative and social future.
Under threat of anti-democratic policy, not only trans healthcare is under fire. In the past decade, physicians, nurses, and hospitals have been increasingly opposed to mounting political involvement in healthcare. With the abortion bans on the books, physical reproductive autonomy is the most imminent right on the chopping blocks–already gone in some states. The ability to discuss, dictate, and carry out medical decisions with your private physician are no longer guaranteed. The easiest targets, trans children and their parents, have been successfully lobbied against. Other states are not far to follow, much in the fashion of trigger abortion bans in red states. Medical care providers are growing increasingly weary of political influence on their standards of care. The devotion to patient-centered care is being severely hindered by the Republican agenda creeping into private practice. It is important that we not only defend those among us that are common targets for discriminatory behaviors–such as trans people, people of color, and others, but greater autonomy at large. By choosing groups that are positioned in roles seen as ‘controversial’ or not yet established ‘socially acceptable’, the GOP has hollowed out a sure way to detract from fundamental freedoms. Standing up to prejudiced ideas, calling it for what it is, and holding people accountable for the effects of their actions is essential. In the coming years as the effects of these decisions are made clearer, it is important that we rally around our trans brothers and sisters, providing them with grassroots programs of mental healthcare, as well as other gender affirming care. We can also provide refuge to those fleeing the state in political duress and extend our defense of the vulnerable; that is the only way to safeguard ourselves in times of democratic regression.
[1]Kon, I. “Homophobia as a Litmus Test of Russian Democracy.” Research Gate, March 2009. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240312263_Homophobia_as_a_Litmus_Test_of_Russian_Democracy
[2]Florida Agriculture Commissioner’s Office. “Statement by Commissioner Nikki Fried on the Florida Board of Medicine Banning Medical Care for Transgender Youth.”/ 2022 Press Releases / Press Releases / News & Events / Home – Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, November 7, 2022. https://www.fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-Releases/2022-Press-Releases/Statement-by-Commissioner-Nikki-Fried-on-the-Florida-Board-of-Medicine-Banning-Medical-Care-for-Transgender-Youth
[3] Matouk, Kareen, and Melina Wald. “Gender-Affirming Care Saves Lives.” Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, March 30, 2022. https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/gender-affirming-care-saves-lives
[4] Mitchell, Travis. “Americans’ Complex Views on Gender Identity and Transgender Issues.” Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project. Pew Research Center, June 28, 2022. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/06/28/americans-complex-views-on-gender-identity-and-transgender-issues/
[5] Aylward, Ashley. “How Gen Z Held off the Red Wave.” Time, November 10, 2022. https://time.com/6232272/generation-z-voters-midterm-elections/
