Francesca Hong, a gubernatorial candidate and state representative from the Democratic Socialists of Wisconsin, criticized hospitals for discontinuing sex-change medications and surgeries for minors, calling the move “despicable.”
During a “community dialogue” live stream with Brix Cider, she reiterated her support for “gender-affirming care” for youth who are uncertain about their identities.
Hong stated, “Everyone in our state has the right to feel safe. Our LGBTQ students and community should be able to live lives filled with dignity and authenticity. Any legislation targeting the LGBT community that comes to my desk will be immediately vetoed.”
She added, “Our schools must offer mental health resources so that educators, counselors, and psychiatrists can properly support their students.”
“To see the attacks on our transgender children, especially regarding the healthcare offered by our hospitals—gender-affirming healthcare—is simply unacceptable. It’s crucial that elected officials speak out to ensure all students feel safe being themselves and know they have a supportive governor,” she expressed.
Previously, Hong had advocated for enhancing access to sex-change drugs and surgeries, including for minors, suggesting that tax dollars could be used for this purpose.
“We need to focus on healthcare and the expansion of gender-affirming care while our hospitals are facing pressure to halt these services,” she mentioned on the “Take 2” podcast. “We have to unite as a community to advocate for transgender rights and explore ways to maintain that care by investing in clinics, emphasizing the importance of protecting transgender lives.”
Hong insisted that elected officials must stand firm for transgender rights despite any pressures against it, pledging to veto any legislation that targets transgender individuals.
“Our queer and trans communities contribute significantly; they are leaders, educators, and creatives. No one should take away their humanity. Targeting vulnerable communities is despicable,” Hong remarked. “We simply want to live and counter policies that harm us. I will veto any harmful laws against the trans community.”
