January 21, 2025

President Trump issued an executive order attempting to block federal funding from covering the cost of gender-affirming medical care for transgender individuals under 19. Gender-affirming care is simply medical care and can best be defined as the psychological, social, and medical healthcare designed to affirm individuals’ gender identities. This care reflects the best practices that have been approved by every major medical group in the world.  

As mothers of transgender youth, we oppose the recent executive orders that deny our transgender children’s existence and our responsibility to seek qualified medical care for them.

The real and persistent danger to our children actually lies in not being able to access the psychological, social and medical healthcare that they need and in the quiet desperation they may feel from being politicized and ostracized in this political climate. 

For families confronting this cruel directive: Please know that you are not alone. These executive orders take time to implement. There is a network of legal and medical experts who are working on coordinated responses to this roadblock. Equally important, please know there is a vast community that supports you and your affirmative decisions about what is best for you.  

We are here to continue to support, educate and empower the mothers of all LGBTQ+ children.

Liz Welch

Executive Director, Mama Dragons