White House highlights crisis hotline for 'LGBTI+ kids' in response to state bans on transgender treatments
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre says it had been 'one of the worst weeks of 2023 so far in terms of anti-LGBTQ bills' in America
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The Biden administration is highlighting a "hotline" for children to call if they feel at risk following a sweep of bills blocking transgender procedures for children nationwide.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced the initiative Thursday during a White House press conference.
"This has been one of the worst weeks of 2023 so far in terms of anti-LGBTQ bills become law in states across America," Jean-Pierre said. "Three anti-LGBTQ laws have been enacted so far this week in Kansas, Indiana and Idaho."
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The press secretary lamented a series of laws passed in the previous week, mentioning specifically state-level bans on transgender participation in female sports.
"Just yesterday, the North Dakota Senate passed 10 anti-LGBT bills in just one day, a single-day record. In Kansas, the state legislation overrode Gov. Kelly's veto to make Kansas the 20th state that has banned transgender kids from participating in school sports," she said.
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She continued, "With the enactment of a new law in Indiana, 14 states have now banned gender-affirming health care, while some of these laws are currently blocked by courts. This is a dangerous, dangerous attack on the rights of parents to make the best health care decisions for their own kids."
Jean-Pierre instructed "LGBTQI+ kids" to reach out to the national crisis hotline if they feel dejected by the new legislation.
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"I know that these political attacks can really take a toll on people's mental health. So I want to say directly to LGBTQI+ kids – you are loved just as you are, just the way you are. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, you call 988," Jean-Pierre said.
The hotline offers specific guidance to children dealing with issues of sexuality and gender.
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She continued, "The National Crisis Hotline and dial the number ‘3’ to talk to a counselor who has been specifically trained to support LGBTQI+ kids. This is a new service that the Biden administration is proud to offer during these incredibly hard times for these trans kids."