Also happening at the Capitol, transgender community members and allies
will rally to celebrate their existence,
The Williams Institute reports the transgender community is only 6/10
of 1%
of the US population over the age 13.
But this year alone, more than 275 bills meant to
restrict their lives have been introduced across the country,
from where they can use the bathroom to wear what
medical care they can access to legislation that writes their
existence out of legal recognition.
6 News Digital reporter Todd Haywood spoke with organizers about
why events like today's are important in the midst of
shifting political fight.
In 2009, Michigan resident Rachel Crocker Crandall wanted a day
that celebrated the transgender community.
Tucker Crandall has Tourette's Syndrome,
a disease that impacts the nervous system and impacts her
speech.
And I wanted a day that we could celebrate the
living.
I wanted a day that we could come together all
over the world.
She's a therapist, she says.
The political rhetoric has taken a toll on her clients.
My clients.
Are really suffering.
And they're really afraid. Hope Dundas provides medical care for
transgender people.
She says. Law is passed in Ohio and Indiana have
impacted her work and clients.
Earlier this year in Indiana,
based physician Dundas worked with was faced with a daunting
decision.
Continue to provide care in Michigan and risk her Indiana
clinic and license or stop providing gender affirming care in
Michigan.
She withdrew from Michigan. Patients from neighboring states have to
drive across Michigan borders to conduct telehealth appointments with Dundas.
Those states have restricted or banned their medical care.
Dundas says the bands complicate their care.
It's really quite difficult for folks.
Sue Kerr is a Blogger from Pittsburgh.
She's tracked the violent murders of transgender Americans for over
a decade.
She says something is changing.
I just looked at the data and for my reporting
alone in the last 14 months,
I found 10 incidents of young people under 21 who
had been murdered by other young people.
And that's a new trend,
and it's a concerning one.
Crocker Crandall Anne Dundas acknowledged Transgender Day of Visibility is
also recognizing those who have died here for you in
Lansing.
Todd Haywood, 6 News.