Transgender

Many people dislike or even hate the sound of their voice, but for some in the transgender population, the voice they hear can sound mismatched with their authentic self—and can even leave those individuals open to verbal and physical abuse.

While supporters touted the bill as a way to protect children, opponents slammed the legislation as an anti-LGBTQ measure that could have harmful results for transgender kids.

Sponsors of the bill say children under 18 should not receive hormone blockers or surgery to transition to a different gender.

The Ohio Department of Health will not appeal a federal court ruling that barred the state from not allowing people to change the gender listings on their birth certificates.

"My own personal view that this is too extreme, it was too broad and did not grandfather in those young people who are currently under hormone treatment," he said, before apologizing.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, called the Save Adolescents From Experimentation Act, or SAFE Act, "a vast government overreach." The legislature could override the veto with a simple majority.

President Biden signed an executive order repealing the Trump transgender ban in his first week in office, directing the Pentagon to begin the process to allow transgender people to serve openly.

Legislation in several states would limit or prohibit transgender women from competing in women's athletics. An expert on sex differences in athletes says the bills aren't rooted in science.

Conservatives state legislatures are working to bar transgender females from participating in female sports leagues, as Democrats take more action in favor of transgender rights.

Dr. Rachel Levine is currently the secretary of health in Pennsylvania, where she leads the state's fight against COVID-19.