Tanya Burley advocates Connecticut's HB 7135 for transgender rights and healthcare access

The Connecticut State Legislature's Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on March 24, 2025, focusing on House Bill 7135, which addresses issues related to transgender rights and healthcare access. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including civil engineer and organizer Tanya Burley, who spoke passionately in favor of the bill.

Burley emphasized the importance of recognizing transgender individuals as integral members of society, highlighting her daily interactions with hundreds of transgender people in Connecticut. She expressed concern over the growing fear within the community due to recent federal and state-level actions that threaten access to life-saving care. Burley pointed out that many transgender individuals are seeking refuge in Connecticut from states where their rights are being eroded.

She noted that the current political climate, particularly actions taken by right-wing groups, aims to marginalize transgender people, starting with youth and expanding to broader healthcare restrictions. Burley called for Connecticut to remain a safe haven for those seeking healthcare and support, urging the committee to consider the real-life implications of their legislative decisions.

The hearing concluded without further questions from the committee, but Burley's testimony underscored the urgency of the issues at hand and the need for legislative action to protect the rights and well-being of transgender individuals in Connecticut. The discussions from this meeting will likely influence future legislative efforts aimed at safeguarding these rights in the state.