Tonight, SDNYC sent the following memo to members of CEC 2 in Manhattan opposing Resolution #248, targeting transgender youth.

March 20, 2024

Dear Members of CEC 2,

The Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC strongly opposes Resolution #248 proposed tonight and urge you to vote no.

As members of an organization dedicated to the rights of LGBTQ New Yorkers, we are deeply concerned by attacks on young LGBTQ people across the country, and are dismayed to see the misleading and harmful rhetoric used in other geographies come to New York City.

Trans kids are kids. And deserve the right to grow and become themselves without hate and harassment. Stonewall Democrats of NYC join with national LGBTQ leaders in calling to Let Trans Kids Play. Discrimination and exclusion against trans youth directly contributes to negative health impacts, including the alarming high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among trans youth.

Sports teams in schools are critical plays for young people to learn values like teamwork, work ethic, and how to build community. It should also be a place where young people learn the importance of inclusion, fairness, and respect. Targeting and excluding trans youth from sports not only directly hurts transgender kids, it also prevents all students from learning from those who are different from them, and learning to be welcoming and accepting of others.

The Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City advocates for fairness and equality for the LGBT community in NYC. We represent the political ideas, ideals, concerns, and priorities of the LGBT community of New York City and New York State, and strive to ensure our community can live with the safety, rights, and dignity we deserve. We urge you to vote against Resolution #248 and protect trans kids from discrimination and hate.

Sincerely,
Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC