FSC Comments on Move by HHS to Redefine Gender as Fixed at Birth

LOS ANGELES—Free Speech Coalition, the adult industry's national trade organization, has issued a statement titled “Condemning Cruel Political Erasure of the Transgender Community.” The memo by Executive Director Eric Paul Leue reads as follows: “This week, we learned that the Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services has considered redefining the legal definition of sex and gender as something fixed at birth. This would effectively eliminate many current and future protections for transgender people, and it is more important than ever that we speak out. The adult industry has always valued the contributions of our trans and non-binary workers, producers, owners and colleagues. We are the platform, however imperfect, through which the straight cisgender community most commonly engages with individual trans people. “From its earliest days, the adult industry has encompassed people of all sexes, genders, sexualities and physicalities. While those in the constrained confines of government offices, DC lobbying firms, and conservative churches may see sex and gender as constant and immutable, our own experience and community provides endless proof of the opposite. “As an industry, it is more important than ever that we stand up for the rights and dignity of trans people everywhere. This week, we call on our producers, fans and colleagues to use the powers they have to affirm those rights and that dignity, and to show the trans and non-binary community that they are not alone. “For our colleagues, this is a time to examine your policies, language, marketing, and other communications. Are you using terminology and pronouns that validate and celebrate trans identity? “For our fans, are you speaking out on behalf of the trans and non-binary performers whose work you enjoy? “Now is the time for all of us to stand with the trans community — to educate ourselves, and those around us . “As an industry that draws strength from members both cis and trans, we want to let the larger transgender and non-binary community know that we see you. We are standing by you. We are your partner in this fight and we will not let them erase you. “None of us individually, have the same power, as legal definitions put forward by the federal government forcing a false and artificial binary. However, together we have the power to collectively change the culture. We can provide the bulwark that helps neutralize institutional bigotry. “This is not the first time that our communities have suffered as a result of anti-scientific politicization of medicine. During the 80s and 90s, we saw healthcare denied and funding cut for HIV/AIDS prevention after conservative politicians decided that their moral truths trumped medical ones. Millions died. “We must never let that happen again, and we must fight each time a government attempts it. “Today, we are donating $1,000 to help support Trans Lifeline, a vital support network for transgender people who are struggling with institutional discrimination. Other organizations worth supporting: the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, [email protected] Coalition, Transgender Law Center, the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Trevor Project, just to name a few. “FSC members will be in attendance at rallies happening all around the US in the coming and days and weeks. We encourage you to join us and share words of encouragement and solidarity by using #WontBeErased and #TransRightsAreHumanRights. “What is most important in these dark times is to let those around us know that they are not alone.”