Ivy Hill
Ivy Hill, the Community Health Program Director of Campaign for Southern Equality and Executive Director of Gender Benders, submitted this testimony opposing H3477 to the South Carolina House Special Laws Committee on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
Hi, My name is Ivy Hill. I use they/them pronouns, and I’m a proud lifelong South Carolinian. I serve as the Executive Director of Gender Benders, a non-profit that serves trans people in our state and across the Southeast, as well as the Community Health Program Director at the Campaign for Southern Equality.
The greatest gifts my work has given me are the opportunities I’ve had to build relationships with incredible trans people across our state - especially young people. Trans people are some of the most vulnerable people in our state. We face elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and attempted suicide at nearly 10 times the national average. But let me be clear: These scary statistics are not because being trans is inherently a dark thing – they are a direct result of legislation like this that targets trans people for being who they are.
I work with young trans people who have been relentlessly bullied – not only by other students, but also administrators, and teachers. Who have been told that their identity is not real. Who have no support from their families. Even still these are some of the most bold, strong, and resilient people I have ever met.
Anti-LGBTQ opponents are attacking youth left and right - even after this year that has been so disproportionately hard for young people, whose lives have been especially upended. But instead of feeling demoralized, these young trans people have spoken out, raised their voices and pushed back. No child should have to fight for their basic human dignity, but it’s inspiring to see these brave young activists - and those who support them - fight back, demand their rights, and in the process help bring us closer to the reality of a South Carolina where everyone can thrive.
I’m here today to ask you to join me in sending a clear message to trans youth across our state: Your identity is valid. You are real, and brave, and good. There is nothing wrong with you. We see you. And we will carry out our duty to fight to make South Carolina a state where you have every opportunity that your non-trans peers have. To make school a place where you’re able to focus on your education. To stop bringing legislation that targets you and start bringing legislation that protects you. The first step for you in sending this message of love and hope to some of the most vulnerable young people in our state is voting NO on H3477.