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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Aspen on protecting transgender New Yorkers
1:28:11
ยท
93 sec
Aspen, a 16-year-old transgender youth from Brooklyn, testifies in support of protecting transgender New Yorkers and passing resolutions to safeguard gender-affirming care. They share their personal experiences with gender-affirming healthcare and recent challenges with federal documentation.
- Highlights the importance of access to gender-affirming care through NYC Health and Hospital System
- Describes a recent issue with their passport, where their gender marker was changed without consent
- Expresses concern about potential federal threats to transgender rights and healthcare access
- Urges the city council to pass resolutions protecting care for transgender individuals of all ages
Aspen
1:28:11
Good afternoon.
1:28:12
Name is Aspen and I'm 16 years old.
1:28:14
I live in Flatlands, Brooklyn in council member Farrell Luce's district.
1:28:17
My parents are both proud civil servants.
1:28:20
I'm testifying today to ask you to protect trans New Yorkers.
1:28:23
I know the city has my back and the proposed bills will solidify that.
1:28:26
I came out as trans four years ago and I've been on testosterone for a year and a half.
1:28:30
I'm grateful to receive my care at an adolescent clinic in the New York City Health and Hospital System, especially considering that two private hospitals in our city are currently trying to limit this care for kids like me.
1:28:41
Gender affirming care has allowed me to be more comfortable being myself.
1:28:46
I filed for a legal name change last year and I applied for a new passport before the inauguration with my new name and gender marker.
1:28:53
I received my new passport this week and it says female.
1:28:56
The document I received back from the State Department states that information was changed on my application to quote correct my information to show my biological sex at birth.
1:29:06
This passport does not match my other documents and will make travel significantly more difficult and stressful for me and my family.
1:29:12
In a time where the federal government is openly attacking trans people, I want to know that the city of New York is fighting for me, my friends, and my community.
1:29:20
I want to be able to worry about normal 16 year old things, like the SAT I'm taking next week, and not worry about whether or not my doctor is going to be arrested for doing his job or whether I'll get stopped at the border when I'm trying to go tour colleges in Canada.
1:29:33
In the city that the Stonewall Uprising happened and a city that has continuously fought for equality and justice for all, I urge the city council to pass these resolutions to protect care for trans kids and adults.