FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: IYG Responds to Gov. Braun’s EOs attacking transgender Hoosiers
IYG stands with transgender Hoosiers and condemns both of Governor Braun’s recent Executive Orders unfairly targeting them.
These orders are the product of a nationwide campaign of misinformation and paranoia targeting transgender people – especially youth. While there are exactly zero transgender girls or women currently participating in K-12 or college sports in Indiana1, there are thousands of transgender Hoosiers who are terrified by the way politicians have targeted them and their families for political gain.
Despite the title and the cynical timing of its release, just before International Women’s Day, EO 25-35 will do nothing to protect women’s rights. In fact, it’s supported by lawmakers who’ve voted against women’s rights, year after year.
EO 25-36 plays on deeply insulting and untrue conspiracy theories about transgender people and the care they receive. Quite simply, transgender people are who they say they are. There is no evidence anywhere to suggest that acknowledging the reality of the transgender experience harms anyone.
The evidence shows that states that protect trans people instead of targeting them also tend to have more opportunities and better outcomes for women and girls across the board, including in sports.2
While our political leaders invent problems that don’t exist, the youth we serve are afraid. They are afraid because their neighbors and schoolmates are being told by leaders that they are dangerous. It’s only a matter of time before extremist rhetoric and anti-trans policy result in more tragedy.
The dehumanizing language with which these orders were released is makes it clear that the motivation is simple animus to trans people. Incidents of bullying and violence against this vulnerable group are already rising rapidly, fueled by the words and actions of leaders who are supposed to protect all of us.3
We’ll say it again: It is time to cool down the rhetoric before someone gets hurt.
2 https://www.americanprogress.org/article/fair-play/
About IYG: As the longest continuously operating queer youth organization in North America, IYG is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults across Indiana by providing safer spaces, resources, and community support. IYG empowers young people to be their authentic selves, fostering acceptance and understanding.
For media inquiries, please contact: Zoe O’Haillin-Berne (she/her) Director of Engagement IYG (317) 533-6281 [email protected] www.IYG.org
For media inquiries March 5-7, please contact: Nadine McSpadden (she/her) Director of Advocacy and General Counsel IYG (317) 541-8726 [email protected]
