Anti-trans extremists target US hospitals for treating transgender patients
Hospitals and doctors caring for young members of the transgender community are facing unprecedented attacks and vitriol across the United States.
This wave of violence began in August when Boston Children's Hospital received a barrage of abuse for offering a pediatric and adolescent and transgender health program. Much of the hostility was provoked by misinformation that the program offered children gender-affirming surgery. Anti-trans activists harassed doctors. Police sent a bomb squad to the hospital after it reported an anonymous threat.
Leading this campaign of hate is the far-right social media account “Libs of TikTok,” which has more than a million followers. Now it has turned its attention to the Johns Hopkins All Children Hospital in Florida, characterizing it as a place where healthcare providers take advantage of children. This absurd accusation has led to reams of comments on social media describing the healthcare providers as “groomers.” Some commenters have threatened to shoot hospital staff.
And now anti-trans activists can access an interactive Google map with pins on every LGBTQ community center, nonprofit organization and transgender care clinic in the country.