Democrats Will Continue Pushing for 'Gender-Affirming Care' for Children If They Maintain Power

What's happening: Democrats have led the charge to normalize minor "gender-affirming care,” which includes hormonal treatment, puberty blockers, mastectomies, and various surgical procedures to permanently “affirm” a transgender identity. Expanding access to these treatments is a congressional priority for Democrats.

Sweeping the country: Over the summer, Democrats introduced a national "transgender bill of rights" to prohibit state restrictions on “gender-affirming care” for children. States like California have declared themselves trans “sanctuary states” to protect children’s abilities to get sex changes and make it harder for parents to prevent them.

The focus: According to the Victory Fund,  a political action committee dedicated to increasing the number of openly LGBT public officials, the priority for Democrats should be electing individuals to protect and advance “gender-affirming” care. There are 678 LGBT candidates on the ballot this November.

Big picture: Democrats have actively worked to increase unrestricted "gender-affirming" care for minors on a state and national level and will continue to do so if elected or reelected. Meanwhile, Republican-led states are fighting back. The issue is partisan despite most Americans saying transgender surgeries for minors should be illegal.