GSE Action Fund launches “Jersey for Trans Healthcare” campaign

The Garden State Equality Action Fund unveiled the “Jersey for Trans Healthcare” campaign, aiming to solidify protections for gender-affirming healthcare within the Garden State. This initiative responds to recent federal actions threatening access to such essential medical services.

Despite existing safeguards, including Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order designating New Jersey as a sanctuary for gender-affirming care, many protections remain vulnerable, lacking codification into state law and thus susceptible to reversal by future administrations or judicial rulings.

The urgency of this campaign is underscored by a recent executive order from President Trump on January 28, which seeks to defund healthcare providers offering gender-affirming treatments to individuals under 19 said GSE. Although these policies are not yet enforced, they have already set the tone for major healthcare systems nationwide.

The “Jersey for Trans Healthcare” campaign advocates for the Reproductive Freedom and Health Equity Bill Package, introduced in the summer of 2024. This legislative suite comprises nine bills designed to enhance New Jersey’s healthcare protections, explicitly enshrining the state’s commitment to gender-affirming care.

Gender-affirming care is recognized by all major medical associations as medically necessary, significantly improving mental health and quality of life for transgender individuals. “Gender-affirming healthcare allowed me to safely transition. I would not be here if it wasn’t for the availability of gender-affirming healthcare,” stated Simone, a trans woman from Sussex County.

The campaign is a collaborative effort, partnering with organizations such as Action Together New Jersey, Blue Wave New Jersey, Cherry Hill Women’s Center, HiTOPS, National Council of Jewish Women/Essex, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, and Unitarian Universalist FaithAction NJ.

“We are grateful to our ‘Jersey for Trans Healthcare’ coalition partners and the legislators who have already supported protecting gender-affirming care,” said Christian Fuscarino, Garden State Equality Action Fund Executive Director. “Their collaboration and commitment to resisting attacks against transgender and gender diverse people will prove vital to the success of this campaign.”

By advancing the “Jersey for Trans Healthcare” campaign, GSE aims to reinforce New Jersey’s position as a leader in protecting and promoting inclusive, medically necessary healthcare for all residents.

GSE urges residents to visit the website for more information on the initiative.

gardenstateequality.org/jersey-for-trans-healthcare