Trans Rights Are Human Rights

There is A LOT of anti-trans and anti LGBTQA+ legislation being proposed and passed in the United States.  Many of these laws include restrictions and bans on access to gender affirming health care (this includes both physical and mental health care).  These laws are also targeting schools and attempting to ban gender affirming education.  

As a licensed counselor and educator with over 13 years of experience working with kids, families and adults- I assure you that these laws are harmful and discriminatory.  

I have worked with many trans and queer youth and adults as a school counselor and as a clinical mental health counselor.  LGBTQA+ youth are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicide.  When my clients / students receive support and respect for their gender identity, things start to shift in a positive direction for them.  Sometimes this includes accessing medical treatment such as hormone therapy, sometimes it doesn’t.  I have personally witnessed youth go from experiencing major depression and suicidality to thriving because of gender affirming care.  

The major medical associations in the United States including The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Counseling Association, The American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association all support gender affirming care for youth.

When all members in our communities are respected, our communities are healthier and thrive.  Gender affirming care does not harm kids.  It helps them.

Hanna Woody is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Asheville, North Carolina.  She has over 12 years of professional counseling experience and specializes in breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma, childhood trauma, and the Enneagram.  Certified in the Embodiment Tradition, she has over 150 hours of training and teaching experience.  Hanna is in private practice and provides online mental health therapy, Enneagram coaching, and Enneagram training.