Education Action Alliance Response to Sen. Gallego’s Anti-Trans Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2025

Phone: 602-341-5543

Email: media@educationactionalliance.org

Phoenix, Arizona – America’s promise has always been rooted in inclusion, equity, and justice for all. That’s why Senator Ruben Gallego’s recent comments about transgender girls are not only deeply disappointing—they are dangerous.

At a time when transgender youth are facing relentless political attacks, heightened violence, and increased rates of mental health crises, the last thing they need is more harmful rhetoric from those in positions of power. Senator Gallego’s remarks - suggesting that trans girls are a threat to the safety of others or to the fairness of competition - perpetuate fear and misinformation. They reinforce the very narratives used to justify discrimination, exclusion, and harm against trans people.

“Comments like these have real consequences,” said Carol Tappenden, Executive Director of Education Action Alliance. “Our mission is rooted in the unwavering belief that every young person deserves to be affirmed and supported in their identity. There is no excuse—political or otherwise—for rhetoric that dehumanizes trans young people. Arizona’s leaders must do better.”

Trans youth are not a threat—they are our children, our students, our neighbors. And they deserve to grow up in a world that values their humanity, protects their rights, and affirms their identities. Every child should have the chance to thrive without being singled out or stigmatized for simply being who they are.

Senator Gallego’s comments fall far short of the leadership Arizona’s communities need and deserve. They echo the same divisive language used by those seeking to erase trans people from public life. As a political leader, he should know better—and do better.

As we celebrate Pride Month, we reaffirm our unshakable commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender youth. Whether or not Senator Gallego chooses to acknowledge the harm of his words, we call on every elected official, every community leader, and every ally to speak out, stand up, and show up for our trans siblings.

There is no middle ground when it comes to the dignity and safety of our children. We choose inclusion. We choose love. We choose justice.

Email us at info@educationactionalliance.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram - @educationactionalliance.

###

Education Action Alliance (formerly the GLSEN Arizona Chapter) envisions healthy school communities free from discrimination where students, families, educators, and neighbors can thrive and succeed with joy, regardless of where you live or who you are. We work to dismantle barriers and drive systemic change in education by engaging in public advocacy and activating school community members through education and collective action.