‘Community Spread,’ Episode 2, Season Two: Anti-Trans Legislation is Harming Youth

Kevin discusses with Juli and Dirk how recent anti-transgender legislation has Affected their son who is transgender

pODCAST/OPINION

Episode, Season Two: Anti-Trans Legislation Is Harming Youth

In this episode of “Community Spread” podcast, Kevin discusses with Juli and Dirk how recent anti-transgender legislation has affected their son who is transgender. Dirk and Juli wanted to share their experience because many people don’t get the opportunity to get to know people whose lives have been affected by anti-transgender legislation and the general culture in Utah where transgender people are vilified and marginalized.
Listen here.

Episode 2 opening Monologue
By Kevin Lundell

In March 2022, the Utah State Legislature jumped on another national issue. Once again following in the footsteps of Florida they passed a bill that banned transgender athletes from playing in school sports. To the surprise of many Governor Cox bucked his party and vetoed the bill. He issued a written statement explaining his veto that was comforting to many in the queer community and their allies. He wrote:

“Four kids and only one of them playing girls sports. That’s what all of this is about. Four kids who aren’t dominating or winning trophies or taking scholarships. Four kids who are just trying to find some friends and feel like they are a part of something. Four kids trying to get through each day. Rarely has so much fear and anger been directed at so few. I don’t understand what they are going through or why they feel the way they do. But I want them to live.”

With a bit of arm twisting the state legislature reconvened and passed the bill again, this time with a veto proof majority. The state is currently spending thousands of taxpayer dollars defending this law in courts. During the next two legislative sessions two more anti-trans bills were passed. One banning transgender people from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity. And another bill that banned gender affirming healthcare in minors. This kind of health care is fully supported by the American Association of Pediatrics and has been described by many as literally life saving. 

Governor Cox, your words vetoing the trans athlete bill were written with such definitive moral clarity that your actions, in the past two years, have been completely disorienting to the queer community and its allies. You went from, ‘I want them to live’ to ‘You can’t share a restroom with me.’ You went from, ‘I want them to live’ to denying transgender youth life saving health care. You went from, ‘I want them to live’ to describing gender affirming care as “genital mutilation.” The only explanation for this kind of transformation is that you gave into that same fear that you derided just two years ago. What good is personal moral clarity if it’s not combined with moral courage?

Governor Cox, your fear has created space for hate and that hate manifested itself when former Utah school board member Natalie Cline posted a picture of a female athlete on social media, questioned her gender, and allowed her followers to ridicule and bully this child. 

For Governor Cox and many of his republican colleges, Natalie Cline went a step too far, as he and many others quickly condemned her. But Cox didn’t condemn Miss Cline because he suddenly found the moral courage that aligned with his moral clarity. No, Governor Cox realized at that moment that that kind of hate could come for someone he loves. Why? Because while many people do not have personal relationships with people who are affected by any of these anti-transgender laws most people do know that “tomboy” who loves sports, dresses a little more masculine, and could soon be in the crosshairs of someone like Natalie Cline. 

This should be a warning to Governor Cox, and all of us, that the fear you capitulate today leads to hate that will come for someone you love tomorrow. The State Legislature and Governor Cox created an environment where Natalie Cline felt empowered. They constructed a platform for the hate she spews and the harm that she causes and no amount of condemnation of her actions will erase that. Governor Cox, it’s about time you act on the moral clarity we all know you have and show some f——ing courage. 

Listen to “Community Spread” Episode 2, Season Two here or an your favorite podcast streaming service.