Post submitted by former HRC Digital Media Manager Helen Parshall

Never in our lifetime has an election been more important.

Last week was horrifying and tumultuous, beginning with an explosive New York Times report that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) intends to redefine “sex” to intentionally exclude LGBTQ people and their families from non-discrimination protections. It’s just the latest effort in a consistent, multi-pronged campaign by the Trump-Pence administration over the past two years to undermine the rights and welfare of LGBTQ people.

Through it all, LGBTQ young people are too often told that their lives and their identities are simply political pawns in this administration’s hateful agenda. However, HRC is working to combat that.

HRC Foundation’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council released a letter signed by more than 1,500 parents denouncing the dangerous proposal. HRC’s Welcoming Schools Program released a resource for educators who may have questions about what this proposal means for their students, and how to continue to support them.

In the face of this latest attack, HRC asked some of our HRC Foundation Youth Ambassadors to share messages of hope with other transgender, non-binary and intersex young people.

“Just know that there are people who stand with you. We are speaking up, fighting back and we won’t stop until our voices are heard and have equal protections under the law.”
— Lucas Segal, Pronouns: He/Him/His

“I am sick of the Trump administration attacking my community. If you are struggling with your identity, please believe me when I say you are perfect just the way you are and that you are loved by millions.”
— Roddy Biggs, Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs, He/Him/His

“Find what fulfills you and what makes you feel safe. Remember to be gentle with yourself because your first priority should always be you. You are never alone and that may be the most important thing to remember. We use our privilege of being visible so that you can always remember that you are not in this fight alone.”
— Sone Yun, Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

“We will continue to fight this administration until we have no more fight left in us. We are a community united as one and in the power of LOVE. Love will always win and we will continue to resist.”
— Zachary Mallory, Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

“As a person of color, I am sick of seeing my trans siblings being assaulted and murdered. It’s time we recognize them and their gender. It’s time to end the violence toward trans people.”
— Justin Jones, Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs, He/Him/His

“Just know that we are strong, we are powerful and our stories are heard and felt around the world. Keep speaking out and know you are not alone. You are valid and #WontBeErased. Our ancestors fought for us, and we will fight for future generations.”
— Jahni Leggette, Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs, She/Her/Hers

Despite the Trump-Pence administration’s continued attempts, transgender, non-binary and intersex people can never be erased. We must hold accountable those who fan the flames of hate through their words -- or their silence. Make your voice heard for LGBTQ young people who might not yet be able to vote, and commit to #TurnOut on November 6.