Happy Tuesday—and once again, Happy New Year.
Every day, our community faces escalating attacks and increased scrutiny from the federal government. These threats are not abstract; they have real and immediate consequences for LGBTQ+ people—especially our trans community members.
As many of you know, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has proposed new rules that would effectively eliminate access to gender-affirming healthcare—healthcare that is essential, evidence-based, and lifesaving. These proposed regulations would allow the federal government to strip hospitals and clinics that provide gender-affirming care of Medicaid and Medicare funding, even when those services are not billed to either program. This includes hormone replacement therapy, puberty blockers, and related care.
We need your help. Please take a moment and click here to submit a public comment. It is critical that as many voices as possible speak out. HHS is moving forward despite overwhelming medical consensus and established research, and public pressure matters.
Last Friday, Denver Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado notified patients and partners that they are immediately discontinuing gender-affirming care for patients under 18. This decision follows an Inspector General investigation into Seattle Children’s Hospital and reflects the chilling effect these federal actions are already having nationwide. We have also heard from credible sources that a temporary restraining order filed by several state Attorneys General may be withdrawn due to concerns it could be fast-tracked to the U.S. Supreme Court. Alternative legal strategies are being discussed, but nothing has been finalized.
HRA is also concerned about the growing misinformation circulating—even within our own LGBTQ+ community. To address this, we will be dedicating time during our Saturday Community Conversations at the Pride Center to clarify facts, answer questions, and share accurate, up-to-date information. We also encourage you to reach out directly if you have questions or need support.
Finally, as we begin 2026, we are excited to share some good news. The Human Rights Alliance will launch a weekly radio talk show on Hutton Broadcasting beginning Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. If you’re unable to listen live, each episode will also be available as a podcast.