Urgent Action Needed from DNC: WV Democratic Party Leaders Accused of Discrimination Against Trans Youth and BIPOC Members
Elected Official Elliot Pritt, Officer Selina Vickers, and Chair Mike Pushkin Face Allegations of Spreading Harmful Rhetoric and Manipulation, Full Independent Investigation Required
In recent years, the rights and well-being of trans youth in the United States have been a matter of concern. West Virginia, in particular, has been the site of controversial legislation banning gender-affirming care for trans youth. Such legislation, alongside harmful rhetoric, has put the lives of trans youth at risk.
Surprisingly, some Democrats in West Virginia have also engaged in harmful rhetoric and supported such legislation. Elliot Pritt, a newly elected member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, who ran as a progressive supporter of LGBT rights, has since embraced right-wing talking points and targeted trans children with legislation and rhetoric.
Such statements are harmful to trans youth who require access to gender-affirming care. Research has demonstrated that access to gender-affirming care, including hormone replacement therapy and puberty blockers, can reduce the risk of suicide and improve mental health outcomes for trans youth.
Moreover, Pritt's stance echoes right-wing talking points that seek to erase and discriminate against trans individuals. It is disappointing to see a Democrat fall prey to these tactics, especially given that the leadership of the West Virginia Democratic Party has remained silent on this issue.
The silence and tacit endorsement of bigotry can be as damaging as the hateful ideology itself. The lack of response from West Virginia Democratic Party leadership, including the Chair of the Party, Mike Pushkin, and the chair of the Affirmative Action Committee (AAC) and Officer for the Fayette County Dems, Selina Vickers, is particularly concerning, given the allegations of targeted discrimination against marginalized members of the party.
"The West Virginia Democratic Party must take swift action to address these issues and work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment."
Such allegations are deeply concerning, and a full independent investigation is required. Discrimination is against the Bylaws of the WVDP and the DNC Charter and Bylaws. The Democratic Party should be a place where everyone, regardless of their race or gender identity, feels welcome and represented.
These issues highlight the urgent need for change. Trans youth in West Virginia, who make up the highest number of trans kids per capita in the US, require access to care and support, not harmful legislation and rhetoric.
It is essential to stand up for the rights of all individuals, including trans youth and marginalized members of the Democratic Party. Harmful rhetoric and discriminatory behavior have no place in our party, particularly from elected officials and party leaders. The West Virginia Democratic Party must take swift action to address these issues and work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
“The lives of marginalized communities are at stake, and we cannot afford to remain silent or complicit in their oppression."
We also call upon the DNC to hold state parties accountable for their actions and ensure they work towards a more just and equitable future for all. The lives of marginalized communities are at stake, and we cannot afford to remain silent or complicit in their oppression. We must stand in solidarity with trans youth and other marginalized communities and fight for their right to exist and thrive. It is incumbent upon us to speak out against bigotry and discrimination, stand up for all individuals' rights, and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for everyone.
If you know and love someone impacted by Elliot’s actions and the Party’s inaction, please contact one of these leaders and demand they stand up for trans rights and the rights of all marginalized people.
Elliot Pritt Contact:
elliott.pritt@wvhouse.gov
Capitol Office:
Room 6U-A, Building 1
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3337
Mike Pushkin Contact:
mike@wvdemocrats.com
Capitol Office:
Room 6U-B, Building 1
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3106
Selina Vickers Contact:
Publicly listed phone: 304-663-3037