A Conservative Republican's Unlikely Display of Empathy for Transgender Youth

Strategic Insights -

Utah Governor Spencer Cox made headlines earlier this week by vetoing a bill that aimed to bar transgender kids from participating in school sports. What truly distinguished Cox's actions, however, was the compassion and understanding he exhibited in his veto letter for the plight of transgender youth. Cox's words broke with the Republican Party's trend of stoking fear and hostility towards transgender individuals, particularly children. His letter shed light on the alarming rates of suicidality among trans youth and highlighted the need for humanity and empathy in policy-making.

Key Takeaways:

  • Utah Governor Spencer Cox vetoed a bill aimed at barring transgender kids from participating in school sports, displaying a rare display of empathy and understanding for the transgender community.
  • In his veto letter, Cox highlighted the need for compassion and humanity in policy-making, specifically citing the high rates of suicidality among trans youth, with 86% reporting attempting suicide and 56% reporting actual attempts, according to one study.
  • The Republican Party has often focused on targeting the parents of trans kids, "investigating" them for "child abuse," and demanding definitions of basic terms like "woman," signaling a stark contrast to Cox's approach.
  • Cox's openness to humane policy-making suggests a willingness to treat trans people with dignity and understanding, rather than with fear and contempt.
  • The NCAA already has established rules for dealing with elite trans athletes, including testosterone suppression requirements for trans women.
  • The state of Utah has similar rules for high school athletes, but Cox highlighted the relatively small number of trans kids participating in school sports in the state, with only four trans kids playing sports at the high school level and only one being a trans girl.

Statistics:

  • 86% of trans youths report attempting to take their own lives (study cited by Governor Cox).
  • 56% of trans youths report actually attempting self-harm (study cited by Governor Cox).
  • 4 trans kids play school sports in the entire state of Utah.
  • 1 of these 4 trans kids is a trans girl.
  • The NCAA already has established rules for dealing with elite trans athletes, requiring 1 year of testosterone suppression treatment and a testosterone level below a defined standard.

Sources:

  • Governor Spencer Cox's veto letter
  • NCAA rules for dealing with elite trans athletes
  • Study on suicidality among trans youths (cited in Governor Cox's letter)
  • ACLU profile on Lia Thomas, the trans University of Pennsylvania swimmer