CELEBS TWEET IN SUPPORT OF TRANSGENDERS AFTER TRUMP LIFTS BATHROOM PROTECTION LAWS
On Wednesday, the Donald Trump administration reversed Barack Obama’s federal protection laws that allowed transgender students to use whichever bathroom corresponds to their gender identity. The White House explained Trump’s decision in a statement: "As President Trump has clearly stated, he believes policy regarding transgender bathrooms should be decided at the state level. The joint decision made today by the Department of Justice and the Department of Education paves the way for an open and inclusive process to take place at the local level with input from parents, students, teachers and administrators."
The reversal sparked protests and angered several civil rights groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union. The LGBT project director for the ACLU, James Esseks, said: "Revoking the guidance shows that the president's promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric. But the bottom line is that this does not undo legal protections for trans students, and school districts can and must continue to protect them and all students from discrimination. School districts that recognize that should continue doing the right thing; for the rest, we'll see them in court."
Obama’s decision to protect transgender rights in the bathroom had previously been celebrated among civil rights groups, including the ACLU. The group wrote about Obama’s move: “This is a BIG deal – the federal government just made history and set clear standards to protect transgender people!”
Several celebrities took to Twitter to express their outrage at Trump revoking the protections, and show their support of the transgender community. THE WANNA has gathered the reaction tweets below.
Just seeing the news about removing laws protecting trans people. This isn’t about politics. It’s about human rights, and it’s not okay.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 23, 2017
For anyone who feels scared or hopeless, know that we will never stop fighting for your rights.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 23, 2017
To the LGBTQ community, I'm sorry for the message that was sent today. They don't speak for all of us. We love you.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 23, 2017
Trans friend, if you are struggling tonight, please reach out to @TrevorProject and @Translifeline. Equality for all! #ISTANDWITHGAVIN pic.twitter.com/bgipj0rmqg
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) February 23, 2017
This is disgusting. This is unacceptable. I #StandWithGavin and every Trans person who deserve nothing less than protection and equality. https://t.co/IK5TO8nWQ8
— Brie Larson (@brielarson) February 23, 2017
We need to protect trans youth and stand up against this cruelty that hurts our kids. Support @Translifeline
— Ellen Page (@EllenPage) February 22, 2017
What an asshole! Trump administration withdraws federal protections on transgender bathrooms in schools @CNNPolitics https://t.co/HuazYmhe2a
— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) February 23, 2017
Oh yeah! Because #trans students are the REAL threat. Jesus. #LGBT #LGBTQ #wtf @BetsyDeVosED @jeffsessions https://t.co/pAuKNl17we
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) February 22, 2017
There's no reason 2 roll back rights for trans citizens or anyone else. What jobs does that create? How is that keeping the US safe? #Resist
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) February 23, 2017
Trans community you are not alone. We stand with you and support you and there is help. https://t.co/SQRZPRkRFW
— josh groban (@joshgroban) February 23, 2017
Right now #LGBTQ students need to know we support them. Share a message of support and put #KindnessInAction: https://t.co/xtLrOpPfUB @GLSEN
— sia (@Sia) February 23, 2017
#KindnessInAction means showing up for LGBTQ students. You have my support, always. https://t.co/T3vTSfG7U3 @GLSEN
— Nina Dobrev (@ninadobrev) February 23, 2017
. @realDonaldTrump u gave me the honor 2 sing at your inauguration. Pls give me & my sis the honor 2 meet with u 2 talk #transgender rghts ❤
— jackie evancho (@jackieevancho) February 23, 2017
I am obviously disappointed in the @POTUS decision to send the #transgender bathroom issue to the states to decide. #sisterlove
— jackie evancho (@jackieevancho) February 22, 2017
Trans kids: it gets better. I promise it will--because there are lots of allies out here who will be fighting on your behalf.
— Jodi Picoult (@jodipicoult) February 23, 2017
Ya Know You Wanna!