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)?

There should be no blanket government policy requiring transgender people to use facilities aligned with their sex assigned at birth. Policies should center dignity, safety, and privacy for all. In sensitive spaces, solutions like private stalls and individual accommodations address legitimate concerns without singling out or excluding transgender community members.

2. Do you support protecting medical providers’ right to prescribe gender affirming care to transgender patients under 18 years old?

I support protecting the right of medical providers to deliver gender-affirming care to transgender youth in consultation with patients, families, and treating physicians. Medical decisions belong to families and their doctors, not politicians. Restricting evidence-based care puts vulnerable young people at risk.

3. What limits, if any, should be placed on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in county government?

None.Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not abstract values they are operational commitments that make government more effective and more responsive to every resident. There should be no limits placed on efforts to recruit a representative workforce, ensure equitable service delivery, and include underserved voices in decision-making. These are core functions of good governance.

4. What restrictions should be placed on children’s content (books, videos, etc.) that refers to LGBTQ+ identities?

No restrictions should be placed on children's content. Age-appropriate content that reflects the diversity of families and identities in our community belongs in our schools and libraries.

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?

People should be able to update gender markers on government-issued documents through a straightforward administrative process, such as a signed self-attestation without requiring surgery, court orders, or medical certification. There should be no circumstance in which this is categorically forbidden. Accurate identity documents protect safety and dignity.

6. Do you approve of non-binary gender markers such as “X” instead of “M” or “F” on government documents? Why or why not?

Yes, I support the option for non-binary gender markers such as "X" on government documents. Government documents should reflect the identities of the people they serve. Offering this option harms no one and affirms the dignity of non-binary residents. Howard County should be a welcoming county for all.

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).

Transgender girls should be able to participate in girls' athletics. Forcing a child to compete on a team that conflicts with their gender identity causes real psychological harm and undermines the social and developmental benefits that sports provide. Inclusion policies for school-age youth should prioritize the wellbeing of the child and follow guidance from relevant medical and sporting authorities.

8. When transgender people are incarcerated or detained, how should officials decide what gender they should be held with?

The safety and dignity of transgender people in custody must be a primary consideration. Officials should assess housing and placement on an individualized basis, taking into account the person's gender identity, their expressed safety concerns, and any medical needs

9. What restrictions, if any, would be appropriate on entertainment, such as drag shows, with content that involves crossdressing or other gender-nonconforming behavior?

No restrictions should be placed.

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?

Conversion therapy any practice that attempts to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity is harmful, discredited, and should be prohibited for minors without exception. The evidence is clear that it causes serious psychological harm. For adults, while autonomy matters, practices marketed as "therapy" that are not grounded in legitimate clinical evidence should not receive professional endorsement or insurance coverage. Howard County should join the growing list of jurisdictions that have banned this practice for minors.