As Coloradans celebrate Mother’s Day, many transgender kids are honoring parents who are going to bat to protect their rights in an increasingly hostile cultural and political environment.
Lynn Kutner, a Colorado parent and advocate, testified before the Colorado Legislature two years ago on a measure which would require schools to use a child’s chosen name instead of the one on their birth certificate. Kutner explained how seeing the name in the yearbook and on graduation announcements would help her kids feel seen, safe and supported.
Kutner added speaking up can help lawmakers see the effects of policy on actual people.
"The parent voice plays a really significant role in sharing the story," Kutner explained. "It's not just a piece of legislation. These are people and children who become harmed."
House Bill 1039 was signed into law in April 2024. Colorado has some of the strongest protections for LGBTQ+ people in the nation, with laws on the books ensuring access to healthcare, safeguarding family rights, preventing discrimination and fostering inclusive communities. Kutner noted the protections are the result of decades of grassroots organizing and advocacy.
President Donald Trump is making good on promises to recognize only “two genders, male and female.” The administration has threatened to block funding for hospitals providing gender-affirming care, erased trans history in schools and on federal websites and crafted policymaking it much harder for trans people to live openly without fear of discrimination and violence.
Kutner stressed the administration's moves should be a wake-up call for all Americans.
"If any group can have their rights removed in such an amazing, dehumanizing, drastic way, everybody should be concerned," Kutner emphasized. "Because if it can happen to one group, then it could happen to anybody."
While Kutner truly loves her kids' handmade cards and cupcakes, she added just showing up on Mother's Day is the best gift of all.
"The most important thing for me on Mother's Day is seeing my kids thrive," Kutner underscored. "Being out there in the world, following their passions, doing this amazing journey as they become who they're going to be."
Source: Public News Service
