Presidential Powers
How would Ashton Colby like to see the transgender policy situation move forward under the Trump administration?
Ashton Colby would like President Trump and his advisors to engage directly with transgender people in personal meetings. He emphasizes the importance of face-to-face dialogue where both parties can see the humanity in each other and develop empathy through hearing personal stories. Colby believes that such interactions would help policymakers understand the challenges transgender individuals face rather than trying to "legislate them out of existence." He suggests that meaningful conversation could lead to more compassionate and inclusive policies.
Watch clip answer (01:05m)
NBC News
04:15 - 05:20
Do you have faith that if this gets to the Supreme Court, they'll come down on your side?
Ashton Colby expresses hope and faith in the Supreme Court upholding transgender rights. He believes every person deserves the basic human right to have identification documents that accurately reflect who they are. Despite current challenges, Colby maintains trust that the Supreme Court will recognize transgender Americans deserve dignity and respect, emphasizing that legal recognition of transgender identities is fundamentally about human rights rather than politics. He argues that transgender Americans should be afforded the same respect as all citizens, with proper legal recognition of their identities.
Watch clip answer (00:52m)NBC News
05:20 - 06:13
How does the executive order affect families with transgender children seeking gender-affirming care?
The executive order impacts families with transgender children who are beginning or in the midst of gender-affirming care by restricting their ability to obtain passports that reflect their gender identity. These families have been seeking passports as a contingency plan in case they need to travel to other countries to receive or continue gender-affirming care that may be unavailable domestically. Unfortunately, these families are currently unable to secure the necessary documentation, effectively preventing them from accessing care options abroad. This situation creates additional barriers for transgender youth and their families who are already navigating complex healthcare challenges, leaving them without crucial travel options when domestic gender-affirming care may be restricted.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)
NBC News
01:48 - 02:06
How does President Trump's executive order on gender recognition impact the transgender community?
President Trump's executive order has immediate and significant impacts on transgender Americans. The order halts the issuance of US Passports with X gender markers, affecting non-binary individuals and creating challenges for those whose identification documents don't align with their gender identity. According to Ashton Colby, a transgender advocate interviewed in the clip, this creates real-world difficulties concerning safety and dignity for transgender people. The order took effect immediately, affecting both applications in progress and all future applications, leaving many in the transgender community facing uncertainty about their official documentation.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)
NBC News
00:40 - 00:54
What would Ashton Colby like to see happen to address issues created by President Trump's executive order on transgender passport recognition?
Ashton Colby advocates for President Trump and his advisors to meet directly with transgender individuals to understand their humanity and experiences. He emphasizes the importance of personal connection—sitting down over coffee, shaking hands, and listening to trans people's life stories. Colby believes that through genuine interaction and empathy, politicians would gain perspective on transgender lives rather than attempting to "legislate them out of existence." This approach would foster mutual understanding and respect, potentially leading to more compassionate policies that recognize transgender people's dignity and rights.
Watch clip answer (01:04m)
NBC News
04:07 - 05:12
What message does Ashton Colby share with young transgender individuals who may be struggling?
Ashton Colby, a transgender advocate, offers words of encouragement to young transgender individuals by sharing his own journey to becoming a happy transgender adult who is exactly who he's meant to be. He reassures those who are currently struggling that they will eventually reach a better place in their lives. His message is one of hope and perseverance, telling them to 'hang in there' while reminding them that there are people who love and accept them for who they truly are. Ashton concludes with reassurance that despite current challenges, 'We're gonna be all right,' offering comfort to those facing difficult times.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)NBC News
02:37 - 02:57