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(L-R) Lexi Love; Trace Lysette; Carl Clemons-HopkinsSantiago Felipe - Getty Images for MTV/Paramount; Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images; Robert Ascroft (@robertascroft)![Trace Lysette](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20798'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![Flint Del Sol](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201600'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![\u200bLexi Love](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![Carl Clemons-Hopkins](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201500'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Mx. Dahlia BelleCourtesy of Here To Pee Tour
Ren Q. DaweCourtesy of Here To Pee Tour![Chanel Stewart](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20900'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Juno MenCourtesy of Here To Pee Tour
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Dear trans youth: 'You are a miracle who will survive'
You are not alone.
![Lexi Love; Trace Lysette; Carl Clemons-Hopkins](https://www.out.com/media-library/lexi-love-trace-lysette-carl-clemons-hopkins.jpg?id=56106858&width=1200&quality=85)
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order restricting federal funding and government support on gender-affirming care for transgender minors and some adults.
Trump's new executive order specifically targets the use of puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries for anyone under 19 — a clear directive for federal agencies to ban policies supporting these kinds of treatments and retract funding from any institutions that can provide them.
Today, several trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming artists, creators, educators, performers, activists, comedians, and overall icons have written messages to Out that they'd like to share with trans youth.
Trace Lysette
Trace Lysette
Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images
Trace Lysette (she/her) writes:
"We always find a way to survive. Of course, I am concerned. My cousin has a trans daughter and I worry for her and her choices of how she wants to navigate her gender journey safely. But trans folks existed way before it was a global conversation, before this microscope was on us. And we will continue to exist. We will always find a way."
Flint Del Sol
Flint Del Sol
Courtesy of Flint Del Sol
Flint Del Sol (he/him) writes:
"When someone uses their power on us, especially to take control of our bodies, it can feel like taking that power back to lean into pain: to tighten our muscles and scrunch ourselves small, to stay in the dark and stop nourishing ourselves. It can also feel like this heavy moment will stretch forever, that hope is lost and the fight inside of you is too tired to continue.
But it's not. It just needs a moment to recharge.
Because the way we take our power pack isn't by punishing our bodies, but by filling them. You are a miracle who will survive. And after you survive, you will heal. And after you heal, you will grow. You have generations of trans ancestors who pushed roots deep into the earth for us, who love you now more than you can imagine. And I love you too. You will make it through this moment, and the fight will come back into you when you're ready. We're going to live – not to spite the people who hurt us, but without considering them at all."
Lexi Love
Lexi Love
Santiago Felipe — Getty Images for MTV/Paramount
Lexi Love (she/her) writes:
"Be kind to yourselves; remember others' opinions and points of view surrounding your gender identity or expression do not define you… you define you. Now, more than ever, just as you need me, we all need you too! We are stronger together and we cannot forget that in these pivotal moments. I, Lexi, love you!"
Carl Clemons-Hopkins
Carl Clemons-Hopkins
Robert Ascroft (@robertascroft)
Carl Clemons-Hopkins (they/he) writes:
"Please do not let the flailing of evil distract you from the fact that they have already lost. And the same god of Love that created you has already secured your victory. Protect your joy, protect your peace, and keep your heart pure. This is not the end."
Mya Byrne
Mya Byrne (she/her) writes:
"I just saw the news, and I want to tell you in plain words: Your choices and definitions are real, valid, and good. I'm coincidentally recovering from gender-affirming surgery as I type this — and for the first time in my life, I feel a grace and calm in my body I've been wishing for since I was very young. You deserve to experience that, too.
Being trans is a blessing. Who you are, how you wish to relate to your body is perfect. We will fight for you to have the opportunity to feel peace and wholeness in your body. You are entitled to have the autonomy to make these decisions. Your body is yours.
Now, you likely know as well as I do that our enemies are using you as pawns in a sick and twisted game. But though they may say words and write edicts, they have not defeated your right to exist. No man's pen can sign away your right to life. You deserve to live your life.
So I will ask you: Please, stay safe tonight. Stay alive tonight. Wherever you are, reach out to someone who you trust. DM your besties and your heroes, text the Trans Lifeline, the Trevor Project, go to a queer-friendly church or AA meeting — find a guiding light tonight.
I am praying for and with you.
Be assured that your elders, trans or otherwise, will kick down doors to ensure your safety and sanctuary for you — and for trans-affirming parents, who are truly doing God's work.
With love from Brooklyn."
Mx. Dahlia Belle
Mx. Dahlia Belle (she/her) writes:
"My heart goes out to today's transgender youth.
I grew up believing there was no one like me. Sometimes, I even questioned my own existence. But it's a little different for you. You know who you are. Many of you have seen or even tasted the freedom of being and expressing your truest self.
It's beautiful and inspiring to see, and no matter what any politician or other power broker might want to say about it, I will continue to see you, as will a global community of youth and elders.
We see you. We affirm you. We've been where you are, and it is an honor to see the possibilities you reveal.
You are here. You are real. You are inspirational, and you are worthy. No legislation or hateful comment will ever change that.
Embrace yourself. Embrace defiance. And be safe. We will fight beside you."
Ren Q. Dawe
Ren Q. Dawe (he/they) writes:
"Don't let them make you think nobody is coming to save you.
Don't let them convince you that nobody is going to fight for you. Trans adults are here, at the ready, to fight like hell for you to have the support you deserve. Because you deserve to stick around.
It seems almost cruel to ask someone — especially trans kiddos — to be patient right now. So I'm not going to. I'm asking y'all to do something harder, which is try with all your might to find some happiness and silliness NOW.
Trans people are more creative than bigots are cruel, and we can and will find ways to survive and thrive together NOW.
Our legacy is resilience, and you are now part of that legacy.
Your smallest giggles are the very thing they want to suppress the most — joy is the very target of oppression — and so holding onto your silliness is, in my opinion, the single most important thing you can do for yourself and others right now.
Stay strong, stay silly, stay around, please."
Chanel Stewart
Chanel Stewart
Courtesy of Chanel Stewart
Chanel Stewart (she/her) writes:
"Something that I've learned is that history is circular. We've been here before, and we've seen better days come out of it. Being trans is a gift, one that cannot be taken away. May we stay strong and continue to uplift each other."
Brandon Kyle Goodman
Brandon Kyle Goodman (they/them) writes:
"My angels and theyngels,
First let me remind you, there is nothing wrong with who you are. You are not a sin. You are not something to be hidden. You are not a stain to be smudged out. You are divine. You are courageous. Your existence is a gift. Simply by being, you inspire others to be free. That makes you powerful! Some people are scared of your wings, but baby, fly anyway! And know that you are part of a divine flock, living and passed, who will protect you as their own. Always.
You are not alone dear heart. Be gentle with yourself as you feel this weight. And let your community help you carry it. We are here with you. We stand beside you. We fight for you. There is nothing wrong with who you are. And in case you haven't heard it yet today, you are so deeply loved. I love you and I'm proud of you. Forever."
La Ignacia
La Ignacia (she/her) writes:
"I was just speaking with another young trans woman about everything yesterday, and how the concept of 'trans visibility' actually really didn't resonate with me in the past couple of years as I got caught up, as many of us do, in the idea of 'passing' and not wanting to be noticeably trans.
Now, given this environment where the government is actively trying to erase us, and would prefer we did not exist, I am more proud than ever to show up and be visible in my transness. I am going to be unapologetically present and unapologetically trans. I cannot be erased.
For trans youth, I think it is especially important to see that who they are is beautiful and valid. I do not think now is a time to hide, I see it as more important than ever to take up space."
Charlie Girard
Charlie Girard (he/him) writes:
"I want trans youth to know that we see you and we support you. There is infinite love in the world, even when it doesn't always feel that way. If you're struggling, reach out to people who understand.
I know that sometimes everything can feel impossibly challenging, but to remember good times, dream about your future, and remember that you aren't alone."
Juno Men
Juno Men (she/her) writes:
"No one can give you permission to be who you are. Trans people have been and will always exist, whether a fat man with tiny hands and bad hair says they do.
Know that you're a part of a multi-generational community bonded by culture, empathy, and an enduring perseverance to be who we are."
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Bernardo Sim
Deputy Editor
Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out. He's also a staff contributor to The Advocate, PRIDE, and other equalpride publications. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida.
You can follow Bernardo Sim on Instagram. Otherwise, you can find him on Bluesky, Threads, X/Twitter, and TikTok.
Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out. He's also a staff contributor to The Advocate, PRIDE, and other equalpride publications. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida.
You can follow Bernardo Sim on Instagram. Otherwise, you can find him on Bluesky, Threads, X/Twitter, and TikTok.