How the vote shook out: All House Democrats voted against Boebert’s amendment to the 2027 NDAA that would have banned trans people from serving in the military. The amendment said that trans people “cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.” Democrats were joined by four House Republicans to defeat the measure in a 212-217 vote.
Why it matters: Despite the GOP’s full control of the federal government, they still can’t pass laws like this because of the Democrats’ opposition.
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The shooting was preceded by months of harassment: Tyler Getchell and his girlfriend posted signs in their windows facing Kyle McFarlane’s house that read, “F*ck you tr*nny f*g,” and smeared feces on his house in the lead-up to Getchell shooting McFarlane in the back.
Why it matters: It was a shocking hate crime at the time, one that the victim will be suffering from for the rest of his life.
What the judge asked: She noted that trans service members are being forced to forgo medical treatment in order to stay in the military and wanted to know “the [Department of Defense]’s basis for treating trans men and other service members differently between this new policy and the Military Ban.” The “new policy” is Hegseth’s plan to systematically screen service members for their testosterone levels, even if they have no symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
Why it matters: The judge’s questions get to the heart of the debate over access to trans health care: why are some people’s medical needs considered more important than others?
What the new report says: “The committee concludes that somatic treatment for young people with gender dysphoria fits within the health law framework. It further finds that scientific research shows the intended physical effects are achieved, there are indications of some improvement in mental outcomes and that the number of instances of regret is low. The current data on unintended physical and mental effects are not concerning to the committee.”
Why it matters: Not only is this helpful to trans people in the Netherlands, but U.S. conservatives often cite European countries to justify their opposition to gender-affirming care. However, the science behind it has been repeatedly shown to be solid.
In the report’s words: “This is where these decisions appropriately lie, with sports’ governing bodies or schools themselves rather than with politicians. While local bodies and associations should minimize unnecessary exclusion, restrictions may be appropriate under some circumstances.”
Why it matters: Democrats have generally stood strong on trans equality issues despite the national backlash over the past several years, but this report suggests that not everyone believes it’s a good idea to pay a political price on every issue related to trans rights.
Pictures of the Week
River City Pride was held last weekend in Peoria, Illinois. Drag performers and fashionistas dazzled the crowd.
Some more great queer and trans reads
Contributor Oriol Poveda talked to a friend of the late gay activist Harry Hay about his lasting impact on the community.
Contributor Warren Blumenfeld discussed how the president’s abuse of norms and institutions to settle personal vendettas harms America.
Deputy Editor Molly Sprayregen looked into the hidden history of the Cercle Hermaphroditos, a pre-war trans community in New York City.
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