Transgender Education Advocates of Utah is deeply concerned about Utah House Bill 302, which is sponsored by Rep. Kera Birkeland and bears the misleading and discriminatory title “Preserving Sports for Female Students.”

President Joe Biden signed an executive order Monday to reverse a policy that prohibited transgender people from serving openly in the U.S. Military. 

"Today, I repealed the discriminatory ban on transgender people serving in the military. It’s simple: America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride," President Biden tweeted. 

Mayor Erin Mendenhall and the Salt Lake City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to recognize November 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance. 

More than 300 Trans Pride flags are on display at the Salt Lake City and County Building this week for Trans Awareness Week, and a virtual memorial is planned for Friday November 20 at 6 p.m.

"It has been a long four years for many Americans, including many transgender and gender diverse people. After years of being a target for numerous Trump administration policies, transgender and gender diverse people have new hope for positive change. 

"Today’s 6-3 Supreme Court decision will protect LGBTQ folks from discrimination in the workplace. Everyone deserves the right to pursue happiness and live authentically with dignity.

In light of COVID-19 concerns and guidelines on large gatherings from Utah state officials, Transgender Education Advocates of Utah has decided to postpone our 2020 Employment Empowerment Conference, which was scheduled for April 7. 

Transgender Education Advocates of Utah is aware of a proposed bill from Rep. Brad Daw that would prevent transgender youth from accessing hormone therapy or surgery. 

While this proposal is in the early stages and a bill has not been filed, we are alarmed by the impact it could have on our community as well as the unintended consequences that may arise when legislators get between patients and their providers.