On Transgender Visibility day in 2023, I marched in Washington DC for transgender rights. Today I come before you to address a crucial intersection of rights: the protection of freedom of speech and gender expression. As pillars of individual liberty, these rights are intertwined, with self-expression being a fundamental aspect of both. Recognizing the inherent dignity and autonomy of every individual, it is imperative that we take decisive action to ensure that all People in our nation can freely express their gender identity without fear of discrimination or censorship. Therefore, I present to you a plan of action to safeguard freedom of speech and gender expression through an executive order, rooted in the principles of self-expression and individual liberty.
1. Issuing an Executive Order:
- I will sign an executive order reaffirming and protecting the rights of individuals to freely express their gender identity and self-expression under the umbrella of freedom of speech.
- This executive order will explicitly prohibit discrimination or censorship based on gender identity or expression in all areas of government, including healthcare, employment, housing, and education.
- It will emphasize that gender expression is a form of self-expression protected by the First Amendment, and as such, any attempts to suppress or censor such expression are antithetical to the principles of free speech.
2. Ensuring Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage:
- Under the executive order, federal agencies will be directed to expand healthcare coverage for transgender individuals, ensuring access to gender-affirming procedures, hormone therapy, mental health services, and other medically necessary treatments.
- This expansion of coverage will reflect the understanding that healthcare is not just about physical well-being but also about affirming individuals' identities and supporting their holistic health and well-being. The mental health of our transgender communities is suffering greatly, leading to a high suicide rate, allowing people to be who they truly are is a step to fight that.
3. Promoting Education and Awareness:
- The executive order will include provisions for promoting education and awareness about the intersection of freedom of speech and gender expression.
- Federal agencies will be tasked with developing educational resources, training programs, and outreach initiatives to ensure that healthcare providers, employers, educators, and the public understand the importance of protecting freedom of speech and gender expression as fundamental rights.
Follow-Up Plan for Permanent Legislation:
1. Building Bipartisan Support:
- I will work with members of Congress to build bipartisan support for permanent legislation that enshrines protections for freedom of speech and gender expression into law.
- This will involve engaging in dialogue, addressing concerns, and seeking common ground to advance legislation that upholds the principles of individual liberty and equality under the law.
2. Drafting and Introducing Legislation:
- Together with congressional allies, I will draft and introduce comprehensive legislation that explicitly protects freedom of speech and gender expression as fundamental rights.
- This legislation will go beyond the scope of the executive order to provide long-term legal safeguards for individuals' rights to express their gender identity without fear of discrimination or censorship.
3. Advocating for Passage:
- I will use the platform of the presidency to advocate for the passage of this legislation, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of all Americans to freely express themselves and live authentically.
- I will call on Congress to act swiftly and decisively to pass this critical legislation, ensuring that the principles of freedom of speech and gender expression are enshrined in our nation's laws and upheld for generations to come.
In conclusion, the protection of freedom of speech and gender expression is not just a matter of policy—it is a matter of safeguarding the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual. By issuing an executive order and pursuing permanent legislation, we have the opportunity to uphold the principles of individual liberty and equality under the law, ensuring that all Americans can express their gender identity and self-expression freely and without fear. Let us stand together in defense of these cherished rights and commit to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Brittany Jones
Unaffiliated Presidential Candidate
2024