Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that she and her team are actively “advocating” for the well-being of “trans kids,” arguing that hormone therapy and surgical procedures are vital to their health and happiness.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Pelosi said she is “working on” the legalization of sex change operations for minors — which she referred to as “gender-affirming care” — at a national level. She also noted that the exterior of her office displays the pink, white, and blue stripes of the transgender pride flag.
“It sends a terrible message to trans kids,” Pelosi said. “It’s really sad for trans kids to hear public policy.” She acknowledged Republican opposition in Congress to medical transitions for minors, who critics say may be too young to make irreversible decisions.
During President Trump’s second term, the administration took a firm stance against such procedures, aiming to protect minors from irreversible interventions, especially in cases where gender dysphoria could later resolve. Conservatives often point to individuals who have “detransitioned” as examples.
On January 28, President Trump signed the “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation” Executive Order, restricting these procedures for anyone under 19. Following the order, Kaiser Permanente announced it would pause sex change surgeries for patients under 19 starting August 29. Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., also announced it would end gender-transition-related medications and surgeries as of August 30, citing “escalating legal and regulatory risks,” though mental health and other support services for LGBTQ minors will remain available.
In response, several Democrat-led states have filed lawsuits against President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the Justice Department, alleging that threats of criminal charges against providers of “gender-affirming care” are baseless. The states involved include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
