OC PRIDE RESPONDS TO SUPREME COURT DECISION IN SKRMETTI CASE: “WE WILL NOT ABANDON TRANS YOUTH”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COSTA MESA, CA — OC Pride stands in fierce solidarity with transgender youth and their families in the wake of today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in United States v. Skrmetti, which upholds Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. This ruling sends a dangerous signal and may complicate efforts to overturn similar bans in more than two dozen states.

While the decision is deeply painful, it does not erase the truth: gender-affirming care is evidence-based, life-saving healthcare. It is supported by every major medical association. And it is a critical part of a young person’s right to live fully, authentically, and with dignity.

“This ruling is a reminder that our work is far from over,” said Manny Muro, Co-President of OC Pride. “We will continue to speak out, show up, and fight back, because trans youth deserve not just to survive, but to thrive.”

OC Pride is particularly aware of how rulings like this ripple across the country especially in conservative communities like many in Orange County, where trans youth already face stigma, fear, and misunderstanding. Today’s decision will embolden hate, but it will also ignite action.

Let it be known: OC Pride will not be silent. We will not retreat. And we will never abandon our trans community.

What Comes Next:

  • Trans rights are human rights and OC Pride will continue advocating at the local and state level to protect those rights here in California.

  • We will amplify trans voices and stories to combat misinformation and remind the world that trans youth are not political pawns, they are our neighbors, our students, our family.

  • We will provide safe, joyful, affirming spaces for our trans community to heal, celebrate, and connect.

Though today’s ruling avoided directly addressing the broader issue of trans rights including in schools, sports, IDs, and prisons, it reflects a continued erosion of autonomy for LGBTQ+ people in this country. We urge our community to turn grief into action: donate to trans-led organizations, volunteer with your local LGBTQ+ center, and vote with your values.

“To every trans kid who feels more afraid today than they did yesterday—know this,” Muro added. “OC Pride sees you. We celebrate you. We are fighting for you.”

We will continue to create a world where you are not just tolerated, but embraced.

In community and solidarity,

The OC Pride Board of Directors

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OC PRIDE RESPONDS TO WHITE HOUSE REDEFINITION OF JUNE & PRIDE MONTH