On Tuesday, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued a ruling that could have major consequences for transgender health care.

The court allowed West Virginia to exclude gender-affirming surgery from Medicaid, arguing that banning a category of procedures is not discrimination against transgender people.

That logic opens the door for governments to remove coverage for gender-affirming care altogether.

the political movement behind this is clear. Leaders connected to The Heritage Foundation have openly said the goal is to outlaw transgender care, even for adults.

I have already experienced this personally. My medical insurance is with TriCare as I am a military veteran of 20 years. As it is, TriCare does not cover costs for gender affirming surgeries, such as the top surgery I am having in a month. Soon I will be losing access to having my hormones covered.

Empire has always relied on scapegoating and fear enforced with violence.

Today that violence is written into policy and court decisions that decide whose bodies deserve care.

Transgender justice is not a niche issue. Trans healthcare is healthcare.

This moment is a test of whether we believe every person bears the image of God, worthy of having a full life, and deserving of access to healthcare.

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