Transgender Rights Debate at Colorado State Capitol: A Clash of Perspectives

On Saturday at the Colorado State Capitol, the debate over transgender rights for children was vividly illustrated, both figuratively and literally.

At the bottom of the steps, a small group gathered to advocate for transgender rights. Rev. Ruth Rinehart, a minister at Unitarian churches in Colorado and California, spoke passionately, stating, Jesus always stood with the outcasts, always stood with the marginalized. Jesus is here with us today in support of trans individuals living their authentic lives and protecting kids from these religious right-wingers.

Meanwhile, at the top of the steps, those calling for restrictions on gender-affirming care to adults only voiced their opinions. Sasha Michell, the executive director of Gays Against Groomers, argued, These children can’t consent. They live with lifelong complications and regret for decisions made at just 12 years old. The group held a rally that attracted counter-protesters, emphasizing that they are not against trans people, but believe such significant decisions should wait until adulthood. We have trans members who understand this issue and don’t believe it’s appropriate for children, Michell added.

Their opponents accused them of being a hate group intent on controlling others. It’s about control over our bodies. Gender expansiveness frightens them on a deep level, Rinehart responded.

Children’s Hospital Colorado, a leading authority on children’s health, provided insight on the matter. In a statement, they emphasized their holistic approach to addressing the mental and physical needs of patients regarding gender identity. Children’s Hospital Colorado is committed to embracing all patients and providing high-quality care for gender-diverse children and adolescents, they said.

The hospital also noted that while they made the difficult decision to stop performing gender-affirming surgeries for adults last year, they have never provided such surgeries for pediatric patients. They expressed disappointment for adult patients affected by this decision and highlighted their efforts to connect them with other reputable hospitals that offer adult gender-affirming surgical care.

Children’s Colorado is the only free-standing children’s hospital in the state, and they have been receiving a significant number of referrals for gender-affirming care as programs close in other states. The hospital remains focused on delivering comprehensive behavioral, emotional, and medical care for its pediatric patients.

Though no resolutions were reached on Saturday, participants were able to exercise their First Amendment rights. Rinehart concluded, We affirm and love trans people, celebrating their courage to live authentically and stand against this kind of hate. In contrast, Rich Guggenheim, the co-leader of the Colorado chapter of Gays Against Groomers, urged, Leave our kids alone. The more the LGBTQIA+ inclusive community pushes this on children, the more backlash we face as gays and lesbians.