Words by Tess Becker
Recently, Missouri passed one of the most restrictive anti-trans bills in the United States, banning all gender-affirming care for minors and heavily restricting that same care for adults.
In response to this, The LGBTQ Commission has asked Kansas City, the second-largest city in Missouri to become a sanctuary city for the transgender community.
“There are several states, counties, and cities who have passed legislation codifying the right to receive and have access to gender-affirming care into law,” the commission said in a letter. “In the City of Kansas City, we must take every action at our disposal to be proactive, reduce harm, and ensure that Kansas Citians have access to life saving healthcare.”
Councilwoman Andrea Bough said the city council is working on crafting a resolution that would protect Kansas City’s trans community. They’re trying to work within the law set forth by the attorney general’s guidelines which set the stakes in the first place.
“We can say to members of our community that we see you, we welcome you, and we will support you in every way that we can,” Bough said.
“We will not let those who seek to harm you come to our communities and step on our jurisdiction and impose their will on us to the highest extent of our capabilities and our laws.”
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation's leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people. Support them here.
KID. They help support kids and families in crisis and with mental health support. Find out more.
Save the Children. A humanitarian org that helps kids around the world. Support them here.
