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Hundreds take to downtown Asheville streets over transgender youth rights


Hundreds of people took to the streets of downtown Asheville Sunday, May 2, in support of transgender youth and in opposition to recent legislation that could deny transgender youth their right to healthcare or make it illegal to express their gender identities in certain environments. (Photo Credit: WLOS Staff)
Hundreds of people took to the streets of downtown Asheville Sunday, May 2, in support of transgender youth and in opposition to recent legislation that could deny transgender youth their right to healthcare or make it illegal to express their gender identities in certain environments. (Photo Credit: WLOS Staff)
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Multiple bills in North Carolina’s legislature aimed at the rights of transgender youth became the rally cry for several groups in downtown Asheville.

On Sunday, May 2, several different groups came together to say the proposed legislation could deny transgender youth their right to healthcare or make it illegal to express their gender identities.

Sunday afternoon, the call to action echoed off of downtown Asheville’s tallest buildings.

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“L -G-B-T the Q is not silent!” was the chant heard from Wall Street to College Street.

“Trans lives matter,” was not only held aloft on signs, but also heard in the cry from the hundreds marching.

Typical Sunday traffic along downtown roadways was replaced by hundreds of voices. Each step they took brought attention to trans youth rights.

“It’s time to be more active than ever, and as a parent of a trans child, I’m scared for them,” said Julia Holladay, a mom and a board member with Youth OUTright WNC.

Holladay expressed concerns that years of gains toward equality could be erased with recently proposed legislation, including the Save Women’s Sports Act and the Youth Health Protections Act.

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“All of that could be taken away with the swipe of a pen,” said Holladay. “Under Amendment 14, you’re supposed to, everyone is supposed to have the same legal rights under the law, we’re still fighting for that."

The Youth Health Protection Act may allow a parent or guardian to withhold consent for treatments of a child's conception of sex and gender, while the Sports Act would prevent transgender girls from competing in female sports.

“The legislation would take away just the basic human right to be human,” said Holladay.

Comments echoed at the rally by trans youth who took the stage as they explained how discouraging and disconnecting it can feel to be told they have to compete as a certain gender.

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“The laws that they’ve been trying to pass through lately are definitely really scary. Our trans kids need our protection,” said Victoria Estes, a concerned community member, at Sunday’s rally.

Recently, lawmakers have indicated neither measure may see a vote this year. Still, those at the rally said it’s important to raise awareness and show support.

"How will people ever feel safe and comfortable being themselves if they show up to speak on what they need, and other people don’t show up and say, 'Hey I hear you, I feel you, I see you,'” Estes said.

Those at the rally said Sunday wasn’t a one-day fight -- rather, that this is a journey.

They encouraged the community to stay vigilant and to reach out to lawmakers to express their concerns.

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