Gender Affirming Care is Mental Healthcare.
With multiple anti-LGBTQ+ bills under consideration in multiple states, especially in light of recent letters from the Governor and Attorney General of Texas, Colorado Mental Wellness Network firmly stands in support of Queer, Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Non-Binary youth.
We are beyond proud to serve, uplift, and validate the lived experience of Queer youth. We know that your gender identity matters, and that gender affirming care is mental healthcare, full stop.
LGBTQ+ youth have historically been refused care, especially Transgender and Non-Binary individuals. We maintain that this constitutes discrimination, and as an organization we insist that trauma-informed mental healthcare be accessible to everyone, regardless of their identity.
As Peer Support Professionals and peers, we will stand in solidarity with Queer, Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming and Non-Binary youth as they seek healthcare that aligns their bodies with their spirits. We must stand together as a united front against systemic discrimination and harm.
If you or a loved one is seeking support, please visit One Colorado.
Hear from the National Association of Peer Supporters:
“As Peer Support Specialists we have an obligation to affirm and support the ability of each person to create a meaningful life for themselves, including access to gender-affirming care without the threat of investigation or harm. We also have an obligation to stand opposed to harmful systems and requirements, such as those in the letters, when providing support.”
