APLA Health strongly condemns the recent actions taken by Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Nancy Mace to restrict transgender individuals’ access to restrooms and other facilities in the Capitol. These divisive measures are a blatant attempt to target and marginalize a vulnerable minority at a time when the American people are demanding solutions to the real issues facing our nation, such as healthcare, economic stability, and affordable housing. 

The misguided rule change and resolution are a direct response to Rep.-elect Sarah McBride’s upcoming historic swearing-in as the first openly transgender member of Congress. It is both frustrating and irresponsible that members of Congress would choose to divert attention away from critical issues to focus on nonsense bathroom politics that target an already vulnerable community. 

As a leading LGBTQ+ healthcare organization, we are particularly concerned about the harmful impact these actions will have. Not only does this policy undermine the dignity of transgender individuals, but it also sends a dangerous message to the American public that transgender people’s rights are up for debate. The reality is that transgender people have been using restrooms aligned with their gender identity without incident for years — including within federal buildings — and there is no evidence that inclusive restroom policies compromise safety. 

This issue is especially poignant with yesterday’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day when we honor the memory of transgender individuals who have lost their lives to violence. The actions of Speaker Johnson and Rep. Mace only serve to deepen the discrimination and marginalization that leads to such violence, further alienating an already vulnerable community. We must reflect on how harmful policies like these only contribute to a culture of fear and exclusion for trans and gender diverse people. 

Instead of engaging in baseless political grandstanding, we should honor Rep.-elect Sarah McBride’s inauguration and follow her lead in working to improve the lives of all Americans, particularly the most vulnerable. We call on lawmakers from both parties to refocus their efforts on solutions that unite us, not divide us.