Yesterday was a painful day, during an already painful week for our communities. Every hateful move, be it a House bill or a proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, causes tremendous harm, regardless of its legality or enforceability. We know this. We feel it.

To the trans youth in our community, including the hundreds we work with annually, and to the parents and loved ones of trans youth: you are not alone. We are with you. We will always fight for and alongside you. We hope you can find ways to be kind to yourselves as we move through this hard time together. 

To our Jewish communal leaders, your community members need your support: sign the Jewish pledge to affirm the dignity of trans, nonbinary, and intersex people. For clergy in particular, join over 550 of your colleagues and sign on to our letter to affirm trans rights.

It is crucial to note: the attempts of the administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ proposals to limit and criminalize essential medical care for transgender youth are not binding. They are not law. They reflect a hateful obsession with no scientific basis; in fact every leading medical organization supports gender-affirming healthcare for youth and adults. These attacks are a distraction from the issues our political leaders are failing to address, such as soaring healthcare costs and inflation. They are also designed to make us feel powerless.

We must remember: We have power. Our medical providers have power and need not change how they provide essential care. Our advocacy partners have the power to challenge these actions in the courts. Our Jewish communities have the power to be safe havens and to champion the rights of their members. Together, we have power. 

Take action by submitting a public comment telling the government why this care matters and why these rules would hurt young people. Public comments will be accepted over the next 60 days. 

As we light our menorah and shabbat candles this evening, may we be reminded of our power as a community to build the affirming, safe world we all—especially our youth—deserve.