Advocating for LGBTQ+
As a candidate for U.S. Senate, I advocate for all Louisiana citizens, which includes actively promoting legislation that supports the LGBTQ+ community. I support Federal protections against discrimination in both employment and housing. Additionally, I support state and local laws that extend these safeguards to areas like public accommodations. My legislative focus will include policies that recognize same-sex marriage and repeal discriminatory measures.
I will continue to uphold and support federal legal precedents, like the Supreme Court’s 2020 Bostock v. Clayton County decision under Title VII. It affirmed that discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity is sex discrimination. Additionally, I support policies that allow open service for all qualified individuals in the military.
Advocating for LGBTQ+
I am dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of all communities. For example, under federal law, a same-sex couple has the right to adopt a child. But, certain adoption agencies and state-level religious organizations continue to practice discrimination against prospective LGBTQ+ parents. As U.S. Senator, I will take swift and intentional action to challenge these discriminatory practices.
Transgender Women in Sports
Considering transgender women participating in women’s sports involves complex policies. Individual sports governing bodies set the policies, with a central focus on the effects of hormone therapy (GAHT). The focus is also on the balance of fairness and inclusion.
I focus my stance on the impact on athletic performance. Studies show that while hormone therapy reduces athletic performance in transgender women, a persistent advantage remains in certain metrics (e.g., running speed, push-ups) for at least two to four years into treatment. For this reason, I support the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.
A persistent advantage remains in some metrics for several years due to retained muscle mass and other physiological factors. After two years of hormone therapy, studies found trans women can still have an advantage in running speed (e.g., 12%) and strength metrics like push-ups (e.g., 10%), which can continue for at least four years, according to Oxford Academic.
Advocating for LGBTQ+ Adolescents
Act 466 is Ethically Wrong
The “Stop Harming Our Kids Act” is primarily the common name for a Louisiana law Act 466. It bans certain gender-affirming medical care for minors. The bill became law in July 2023 after the Louisiana Legislature overrode a gubernatorial veto.
Criticisms of GHAT are unsound. GAHT ought to be available to consenting trans adolescents who seek it as part of their medical care. Furthermore, the recent restrictions that have been placed on access to GAHT for trans adolescents are ethically wrong.
Studies show that GAHT has significant benefits for the psychological health and social well-being of trans adolescents. For instance, they show that, before gender-affirming hormone treatment (GHAT), transgender youths experience depression and anxiety more than cisgender youths. The results highlight the important mental health benefits of GAHT. I emphasize that GAHT satisfies the principle of beneficence. Namely, it has positive consequences for the health and welfare of trans adolescents.
As a U.S. Senator, I will support initiatives aimed at increasing services (professional, third sector or peer support) for transgender minors.
Let me know in the comments what legislative initiatives you want to see for LGBTQ+. Together we have one strong voice!
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