itsjustabutton:

thepictoblr:

If you’re a young person in Ohio, DON’T tell your therapist you are trans. You may think “oh but my therapist would never tell my parents!” No, you don’t understand, there’s a hellova lot of people who dont give two shits about the morality of their actions, all they care about is being law abiding citizens. If they’ve made it a felony to not tell parents about trans clients, then people are gonna tell parents about trans clients. Confidentiality of you identity doesn’t exist any more. Don’t. Tell. Your. Therapist.

It’s awesome that op is raising awareness about this, but the information is slightly incorrect – probably due to the ambiguous wording of pretty much everyone reporting on House Bill 658 (”Parents Rights Act”).

HB658 is not yet law. So trans youth are relatively safe when it comes to confidentiality…for now. If signed into law, this bill would allow therapists, teachers, etc. to legally break confidentially on topics of transitioning and dysphoria if the minor “has exhibited symptoms of gender dysphoria or otherwise demonstrates a desire to be treated in a manner opposite of the child’s biological sex, to immediately notify the child’s parents, guardian, or custodian” (click link for more details).

Fighting this bill is important, not only for Ohio transgender youth, but for the rest of America. The passing of this bill into law would set a precedent for other states to follow suit.

Here’s how to fight HB658

• call or write to Ohio House Speaker Ryan Smith
• (614) 466-1366 (the # given by ohiohouse.gov) or (614) 412-4237 (the # given by Equality Ohio) 
• “Introduce yourself, say where you live, and that this bill is damaging to transgender kids. Then ask that it not be moved forward.” Wouldn’t hurt to mention that you’re an eligible/future voter either.
• seriously, a call only takes a few minutes…you could do it during a commercial break
• educate yourself on the bill and donate to Equality Ohio 

Calling or writing would be the most immediate effective action, but even donating $5 if you don’t have the time would be a big help.

Protect transgender youth by opposing House Bill 658 and supporting LGBT+ rights advocates!

And like OP, please spread the word on social media! Show them that we will not tolerate this abuse.