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 prohibitions placed on transgender individuals using facilities that align with their gender identity. In 2021 I voted for legislation requiring that all single-use bathroom facilities in Howard County be gender neutral. Transgender people are also protected under the State’s anti-discrimination laws and a 2018 Federal Court decision upheld protections of a trans-gender student’s right to use the bathroom and locker room that aligns with their gender identity.

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

I believe that medical decisions are best made by trained medical professionals and their patients and guardians. I support the American Medical Association’s opinion that gender-affirming care is a clinical, evidence-based treatment that improves health outcomes. Withholding medical care, regardless of the circumstances, is discriminatory.

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

Howard County has an anti-discrimination policy based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, and immigration status. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives should not be impeded from promoting inclusion within the County’s workforce, civic participation, cultural celebrations, recreational programming, and any other public engagement activities.

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

LGBTQ+- related materials should not be subjected to discriminatory restrictions. I am pleased that HCPSS earned the Rainbow Ribbon certification from CARY for its LGBTQ+ health content and media collection.

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 support the current practice of self-reporting one’s gender for a gender identification change on a Maryland-issued driver’s license. Current practices for changing one’s gender on a birth certificate in Maryland should be simplified. I support Senator Clarence Lam’s legislative efforts to introduce a non-binary gender option for adults to make it easier to request a change on their birth certificate to reflect their gender identity.

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 support non-binary gender markers because it simplifies the process of aligning one’s gender identity with their official government documentation. It provides recognition and inclusion to the spectrum of gender identities.

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).

HCPSS and Howard County Recreation and Parks policies that allow trangender students to participate on sports teams that correspond with their identified gender. Both of these policies align with the County’s non-discrimination policies, which I support.

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

Transgender individuals should be detained or incarcerated in a facility where they will be the safest from harassment and assault. Currently the Maryland Department of Correctional Services makes this determination on a case-by-case basis.

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

There should be no restrictions because this is an example of the First Amendment’s freedom of speech. Also drag queens are artistic and creative individuals who should have an opportunity to perform for an audience.

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?

Non-conforming gender identities and sexual orientations are not mental disorders and should not be treated as such through coercive therapies. Young people who are rejected by their loved ones for being LGBTQ+ experience increased levels of mental and emotional distress. The solution for improved health outcomes is to accept and respect individuals for who they are.