On January 20th, as part of President Donald J. Trump’s day-one executive orders, the Office of Personnel Management directed federal agencies to eliminate “gender ideology” from employee resource groups and grants and replace the term “gender” with “sex” on government forms. As a result, vital public health information and data have been erased from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, including HIV testing information, the Social Vulnerability Index, contraceptive eligibility guidelines, the largest adolescent behavioral health monitoring program, multiple resources addressing health disparities among LGBTQIA+ communities, and more. 

National APAMSA denounces the draconian censorship of science, public health, and medicine in federal policy to further disenfranchise marginalized communities. Regardless of federal mandates, we will continue to advocate for the dissemination of evidence-based, culturally competent care and support initiatives that combat health disparities among sexual and gender minorities. We affirm that gender-affirming care is life-saving care, as discussed in our previous statements and policy compendium, and affirmed in the stances of the World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American Academy of Family Physicians.

We urge all healthcare professionals to adhere to the evidence-based clinical recommendations and guidelines that have ensured quality care for all communities. We urge institutions to support their employees and patients by continuing to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in their resources and programs. Lastly, we urge community leaders and policy makers to prioritize the health of the public and act against censorship of medical terminology and public health institutions.

To our colleagues in medicine, we stand with you and fight alongside you. We affirm that diversity is what makes our communities strong.

To our patients, please know that there is an overwhelming majority of healthcare workers that will fight to provide the highest level of care possible. Please continue to share your stories and seek the care you deserve. It is our highest honor and privilege to care for you and your loved ones. 

“It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism.”

― Angela Y. Davis, Freedom Is a Constant Struggle

For questions about this statement, please reach out to Nataliyah Tahir at rapidresponse@apamsa.org. For local support, please contact your region director. To get more involved with National APAMSA’s diversity initiatives, please visit www.apamsa.org/diversity or contact Sandra Kumwong at diversity@apamsa.org.