I would not be here writing this if it wasn’t for the availability of gender-affirming healthcare. Now I live at peace with myself and have never been happier.

Knowing that I have doctors I can rely on, and a state that cares about me and my family, has allowed me to build my life the way I wanted, with a family and a home and a good career.

The ill-informed, misogynistic, homophobic, and transphobic policies of the federal government are damaging — even life-threatening — to people and friends we love and need in our lives.

It wasn’t until our son received gender-affirming care that we saw a real, profound transformation. Social transition offered some relief, but comprehensive, professional support allowed him to truly thrive.

Lack of gender-affirming care would have been a death sentence for our child. His care matters. And he is the most amazing young man that anyone could have the privilege of knowing.

My 18-year-old transgender daughter is able to contribute positively to our family, her friends, her school, and the wider community because of the love and support she's received.

Without hyperbole, I say that my daughter was a different child almost immediately after beginning estrogen and that gender-affirming care saved her life.

Gender-affirming care is medically necessary and must be covered by all health insurance providers so that transgender people like me can afford to receive the care that we need.

I can’t imagine how devastating it would be for me, my trans friends, or the trans young people in New Jersey to lose access to their healthcare.