Linfeng Chen
1. Under what circumstances should a transgender person be limited to using facilities designated for their sex assigned at birth (e.g. a trans woman required to use a men’s restroom or locker room)?
We should increase options (unisex/private spaces), reduce conflict rather than force binary choices, protect both safety and dignity for everyone involved. Where only male- and female-designated spaces are available, policies should prioritize privacy, safety, and clarity, with particular attention to high-sensitivity settings like locker rooms. In those cases, additional privacy options should be provided whenever possible.
2. Do you support protecting medical providers’ right to prescribe gender affirming care to transgender patients under 18 years old?
This is a complex issue. My priority is ensuring that teens receive thorough mental health evaluation and support first, with strong involvement from families. Providers should take a careful, individualized approach, working with patients and families to explore underlying needs and appropriate options before proceeding with gender-affirming medical care.
3. What limits, if any, should be placed on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in county government?
DEI initiatives should remain focused on their core purpose: ensuring historically marginalized communities have equal access to opportunities, breaking down stereotypes, and strengthening social mobility.
At the same time, they should be guided by data and measurable outcomes, be transparent and accountable, and avoid one-size-fits-all approaches. The goal is to deliver real community benefit by drawing on diverse backgrounds and perspectives while making fact-based, results-driven decisions.
4. What restrictions should be placed on children’s content (books, videos, etc.) that refers to LGBTQ+ identities?
Decisions about children’s content should be guided by library and education professionals, using established standards for age-appropriateness and content suitability. Materials should be reviewed based on clear criteria, with appropriate age limits where needed, while ensuring families have access to a broad range of perspectives.
5. What proof, if any, should a person transitioning from one gender to another need to in order to change government issued documents? Are there any circumstances when this should be forbidden?
I am not aware of a single standard that fits all situations. In general, requirements should be clear, consistent, and respectful of privacy, with a straightforward process to update documents. Any safeguards should focus on preventing fraud while avoiding unnecessary barriers. I would defer to legal and administrative experts to set appropriate standards and limits.
6. Do you approve of non-binary gender markers such as “X” instead of “M” or “F” on government documents? Why or why not?
I would defer to legal and administrative professionals to determine the best approach. Any decision should prioritize clarity, consistency across systems, and practicality, while also respecting individuals and ensuring government documents function effectively for identification and services.
7. Should a transgender child who wants to participate in athletics but is uncomfortable in a program for their sex assigned at birth be allowed to participate in a program for the gender they transitioned to? (e.g. a transgender girl who is uncomfortable playing on a boys’ team but who wants to take part in sports).
For recreational sports, participation should be inclusive and flexible, allowing transgender youth to play in a way that feels safe and comfortable.
For competitive sports, policies should be considered case by case, taking into account the nature of the sport and ensuring fair competition. In some situations, there may be concerns about competitive balance, so decisions should be guided by fairness, safety, and the specific context of the sport.
8. When transgender people are incarcerated or detained, how should officials decide what gender they should be held with?
Placement decisions should be made case by case, with the primary focus on safety and dignity for all individuals. Officials should consider factors such as the person’s gender identity, vulnerability to harm, criminal history, and the specific facility’s capabilities.
Whenever possible, facilities should provide additional options, such as specialized units or protective housing, to reduce risk. The goal is to ensure both individual safety and overall facility security, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule.
9. What restrictions, if any, would be appropriate on entertainment, such as drag shows, with content that involves crossdressing or other gender-nonconforming behavior?
Restrictions, if any, should focus on age-appropriateness and context, rather than the content itself. Entertainment like drag shows can be presented responsibly for adults, while venues for children should follow clear age guidelines and content standards set by professionals. The goal is to balance creative expression with ensuring audiences are exposed to material suitable for their age.
10. When should therapies, such as conversion therapy, that seek to alter patients’ LGBTQ+ identity or change the behavior associated with such an identity, be allowed? When should they be restricted? Does it matter if the patient is a minor?
Therapies that attempt to change a person’s LGBTQ+ identity, such as conversion therapy, should generally be restricted, especially for minors, due to serious mental health risks.
Decisions should involve mental health professionals and, when appropriate, the patient’s family, taking a case-by-case approach to ensure safety, well-being, and informed consent. For minors, protections should be stronger, prioritizing evidence-based and supportive care.