Official Trans Up Front Statement in Opposition to the "One Big Beautiful Bill"
Trans Up Front stands firmly against the bill passed in the US House of Representatives, the attempts to gut medicaid and medicare, and the attacks on gender affirming care.
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Statement of Opposition to the Recent Passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" by the U.S. House of Representatives
As an organization committed to amplifying and centering trans voices, Trans Up Front Illinois strongly condemns the recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill poses a direct threat to the rights, dignity, and safety of transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals, particularly our youth. With this bill passing by a single vote, it is clear that the fight for trans and human rights are at a pivotal moment, and now more than ever, we must stand united in defense of our communities.
H.R. 1 seeks to prohibit Medicaid programs from covering gender-affirming healthcare services for people of all ages—an alarming expansion of earlier proposals that specifically targeted minors. But this is not the full extent of the harm this bill can cause; it also includes provisions that would:
Ban the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from funding gender-affirming healthcare services for youth, further depriving TGNC youth of critical care.
Remove gender-affirming care from the list of essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which would strip TGNC people of their right to access life-saving medical care, including hormone therapy, mental health services, and surgeries that align with their gender identity.
These provisions directly undermine the well-being of TGNC individuals, particularly those who rely on Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA protections for access to essential, life-saving healthcare services. By denying access to gender-affirming care, the bill risks devastating consequences, including worsening mental health outcomes and higher rates of suicide among transgender individuals.
Gender-affirming care is not just a matter of personal expression—it is life-saving care. Leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association, have affirmed that gender-affirming care significantly improves mental health, reduces suicide risk, and enhances overall well-being. Stripping away access to this care is not only harmful—it's a public health crisis in the making.
Trans Up Front has been steadfast in advocating for the inclusion, protection, and support of TGNC youth, teens, and young adults, who already face disproportionate levels of discrimination, violence, and marginalization. This bill not only seeks to erase their voices but to actively obstruct their access to essential healthcare, education, and safe spaces—further exacerbating the mental and physical harm many already endure. We call on lawmakers to reject this harmful legislation and to instead prioritize policies that protect and uplift all people, regardless of their gender identity.
For over a decade, the founders of Trans Up Front have worked alongside families, schools, workplaces, and communities to foster environments of understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. We have seen firsthand the transformative power of supportive policies, and we know the devastating impact of policies that seek to erase or harm marginalized communities.
As we continue our mission to advocate for trans rights, we stand firm in our commitment to creating a world where TGNC individuals are celebrated, supported, and empowered to thrive. We call on all allies, advocates, and communities to join us in standing up for the rights of TGNCpeople and to oppose this bill with all the strength we have.
Together, we will ensure that trans voices remain up front in the fight for justice, equality, and dignity.
Take Action Now:
We urge everyone to take immediate action. Call your senators and demand they reject the H.R. 1 which would prohibit life-saving gender-affirming healthcare for TGNC individuals of all ages on Medicaid, ban CHIP funding for gender-affirming care for youth, and remove this vital care from the list of essential benefits under the Affordable Care Act. The voices of trans youth and marginalized communities must be heard, and this legislation cannot move forward.
Make your voice count—use this link to contact your senators and speak out against this dangerous bill:
Upcoming events:
Sun, June 8th, 7pm - The Whistler, 2421 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago - Disco Kitchen Kiki, celebrate the release of Vol 2. Ticket donations go to Trans Up Front.
Tue, June 24th, 7-8:30pm - Virtual Town Hall - Pride with Purpose: Centering TGNC Support through Education and Combating Misinformation. Free of charge, donations welcome.
Sun, June 22nd, 1-4pm - Hollywood Beach, Chicago - Out & About at the Lake: TGNC Family Beach Day. Free of charge, donations and sponsorships welcome!
Sat, June 28th, 8am - Start at: 601 W Montrose Ave, Chicago - Proud to Run & Trans Up Front Pride Run - 5k&10k, walk or run, adaptive athletes welcome!
US v Skrmetti
The Supreme Court is set to announce their decision on the case, US V Skrmetti, which will decide how much states are able to restrict gender affirming care for youth and adults. Trans Up Front is leading the state response to the decision, either direction. Due to the last-minute nature of this action, we ask that people sign up on our website to receive notifications once the decision is announced: