Protest Erupts at HHS Headquarters in Washington D.C.
On Tuesday, 24 dedicated activists were arrested outside the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, D.C. The activists were part of a larger demonstration organized by the Gender Liberation Movement, a national organization fiercely committed to protecting bodily autonomy and self-determination through direct action, media engagement, and policy advocacy.
The protest was sparked by Executive Order 14187, titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” which mandates federal agencies to significantly limit youth access to gender-affirming care across the nation. This order has been criticized for spreading misinformation about gender-affirming care and transgender youth, according to KFF, a nonpartisan organization providing independent, fact-based information on national health issues.
Joining forces were members of ACT UP NY and ACT UP Pittsburgh, who came to D.C. to express their solidarity. The protest occurred on the final day of the public comment period for proposed federal rules that would further restrict access to gender-affirming care.
The demonstrators made their presence felt by blocking the main entrance of the HHS building, brandishing a banner that read “HANDS OFF OUR ‘MONES.” Their chants, “HHS—RFK—TRANS YOUTH ARE NO DEBATE” and “NO HATE—NO FEAR—TRANS YOUTH ARE WELCOME HERE,” echoed their unwavering support for the transgender community.
Voices of Resistance
Raquel Willis, co-founder of the Gender Liberation Movement, passionately addressed the crowd, saying, “We want trans youth and their loving families to know that we see them, we cherish them, and we won’t let these attacks go on without a fight. We also want all Americans to understand that Trump, RFK, and their HHS won’t stop at trying to block care for trans youth — they’re coming for trans adults, for those who need treatment from insulin to SSRIs, and all those already failed by a broken health insurance system.”
The sentiments were echoed by fellow co-founder Eliel Cruz, who highlighted the tactical manipulation of Medicaid funding as a means to deny care to trans youth. “It is shameful and intentional that this administration is pitting communities against one another by weaponizing Medicaid funding to strip care from trans youth. This has nothing to do with protecting health and everything to do with political distraction. They are targeting young people to deflect from their failure to deliver for working families across the country. Instead of restricting care, we should be expanding it. Healthcare is a human right, and it must be accessible to every person — without cost or exception.”
The Medical Community’s Stand
Despite attempts by HHS to impose restrictions, major medical associations such as the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Endocrine Society continue to endorse gender-affirming care as evidence-based treatment. This care encompasses a range of support, from psychotherapy and social support to puberty blockers and hormone therapy, when clinically appropriate.
The protest at HHS is part of a broader struggle over healthcare access nationwide. As government policies threaten to limit care for transgender individuals, medical experts and activists remain united in their stance that gender-affirming care is critical and should be available to all who need it.
Broader Shifts in Healthcare Access
In recent developments, NYU Langone Health announced it would cease providing transition-related medical care to minors and would not accept new patients into its Transgender Youth Health Program. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s January 2025 executive order targeting transgender healthcare.
The atmosphere surrounding transgender rights and healthcare has grown increasingly tense, with activists and healthcare providers working tirelessly to counteract the restrictive measures being proposed and implemented. As the nation grapples with these issues, the determination of the transgender community and its allies is unwavering, underscoring the belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right.
The events at the HHS headquarters stand as a testament to the resilience and courage of those who advocate for transgender rights. Their actions and voices are crucial in the ongoing battle for equality and access to necessary medical care.
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