ABOVE: Watermark file photo.
The Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus announced on Feb. 16 that Democratic U.S. Reps. Pramila Jayapal (Wash.) and Sara Jacobs (Calif.) were named co-chairs of the caucus’s Transgender Equality Task Force.
“I am honored to announce Congresswomen Jayapal and Jacobs as co-chairs of our Transgender Equality Task Force,” Caucus Chair U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (Wis.) said in a press release. “They both are strong advocates for the transgender community, and the Transgender Equality Task Force will greatly benefit from their leadership.”
Pocan noted the onslaught of Republican led efforts to thwart access to guideline directed gender affirming medical care, prohibit trans students from participating in school sports leagues, and censor out LGBTQ and trans and gender non-conforming materials from books and curricula.
“The work of this task force is more critical than ever,” the congressman said. “I look forward to working with Co-Chairs Jayapal and Jacobs as we continue to fight against these attacks.”
“As radical Republicans double down on their anti-trans agenda, I will continue to stand up and be a fierce advocate for the rights of all trans people across our country,” said Jayapal. “As the proud mother of an incredible transgender daughter, I have seen firsthand the joy that comes with the freedom to live fully and unapologetically as your authentic self.”
Jacobs noted Florida’s controversial anti-LGBTQ “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, as well as “anti-trans sports bans and restrictions on gender-affirming health care” and “book bans.”
“They are stooping to new lows, finding new and creative ways to target trans rights — so we need to be united and unshakeable in our support of the trans and gender non-conforming communities,” Jacobs said.
The National LGBT Media Association represents 13 legacy publications in major markets across the country with a collective readership of more than 400K in print and more than 1 million + online. Learn more here: NationalLGBTMediaAssociation.com
