rights
Democrat slams Hegseth for new military testosterone program as trans kids suffer
By Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
During a House Judiciary Committee meeting on Wednesday, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) spoke out for trans people while slamming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for massive hypocrisy in his views on hormone therapy. "Let me be very clear: Trans people have always and will always exist," Jayapal said in
Key takeaway "Let me be very clear: Trans people have always and will always exist," Jayapal said in a video she posted to her social media accounts.
Why this matters
Rep. Pramila Jayapal's comments highlight the stark contrast between the medical community's support for gender-affirming care and the hypocrisy of some government officials. The fact that almost every major medical organization in the country backs gender-affirming care for young people, with standards in place to ensure responsible provision, underscores the importance of trusting medical professionals and individuals to make informed decisions. Meanwhile, the military's new program to test for and treat testosterone deficiency in service members 30 and up raises questions about the disparate treatment of trans individuals, who are often denied access to similar care. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other advocacy groups have long emphasized the need for consistent and equitable access to healthcare, including hormone therapy, regardless of one's identity or occupation. As the debate over gender-affirming care continues, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of trans individuals, particularly youth, and to recognize the vital role that medical professionals play in providing responsible and compassionate care.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? During a House Judiciary Committee meeting on Wednesday, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) spoke out for trans people while slamming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for massive hypocrisy in his views on hormone therapy. "Let me be very clear: Trans people have always and will always exist," Jayapal said in
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .