If we are serious about building a society free of systemic racism, we must commit to approaches that foster unity and fairness. Addressing racism should be about creating opportunity and equality, not perpetuating new cycles of blame and division.

By dismantling harmful systems from the past while resisting the temptation to create new ones, we can build a more inclusive future for all Americans. The goal should always be to promote dignity, fairness, and mutual respect—ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, free from discrimination of any kind.

I view this issue through the same lens as abortion rights—it is fundamentally a matter of privacy. No one—not the government, not outside voices—has the right to interfere with an individual’s medical care or the decisions they make in consultation with their physician.

Laws that restrict or ban gender-affirming care for any individual, regardless of age, represent a dangerous form of government overreach. These laws undermine the doctor-patient relationship, sow distrust in the healthcare system, and harm individuals seeking medically necessary care.

This isn’t just an abstract issue for me—it’s personal. My sister has been an openly gay woman for as long as I can remember, and my son, who identifies as a woman, is navigating their journey toward transitioning. These experiences have given me insight into the importance of acceptance, empathy, and support for those seeking to live authentically.

I may not fully understand every issue at play, but I can promise one thing: I will listen to the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Their perspectives matter—not just to me personally, but to the progress of our entire nation.