Now that Republican policies on immigration, the economy and foreign wars have proven unpopular, the current regime is turning, once again, to its tried-and-true culture-war issue:  hatred of transgender people. Let’s be clear, this is an issue that was manufactured by Republican strategists specifically to activate the worst instincts of their followers. 

Transgender people are the most vulnerable group in our society: according to one study, more than 40% have attempted suicide. In a 2022 survey, 60% of transgender women said they experienced violence or harassment. All transgender people are subject to ongoing prejudice and discrimination, both overt and subtle. They are the victims; this is not a path anyone would voluntarily choose.  

The handful of young transgender girls who play high school sports are not hurting anyone. The hate pushed by this administration, meanwhile, is imperiling the lives, safety and civil rights of the roughly 3 million of our fellow Americans who are transgender.  

I didn’t know my own child was transgender until she was 22. I ask anyone who supports the policies currently targeting transgender people: How would you feel if this was your child?

Mary Wheeler
South Portland