Key Issues
Top Issues that voters consider important
đłď¸âđ Defending LGBTQ+ Americans: Youth, Adults, and Families
As a candidate for Congress, I stand proudly with our LGBTQ+ community young and old because equal rights are not up for debate.
Across the country, and especially under Donald Trumpâs renewed attacks, LGBTQ+ Americans are being scapegoated, politicized, and stripped of their basic freedoms. These arenât just policies -theyâre targeted acts of cruelty. Bans on healthcare. Book censorship. Attacks on teachers. Harassment of LGBTQ+ youth. Threats to trans military members and civil servants.
Enough is enough.
I will fight in Congress to pass federal protections that guarantee LGBTQ+ rights in every state â no matter who is in the White House:
What I Will Support in Congress:
The Equality Act to make it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, employment, healthcare, education, and public spaces.
A federal ban on conversion therapy for minors and support for mental health protections through HHS and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Restore Honor to Service Members Act to reinstate full benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under discriminatory policies like “Donât Ask, Donât Tell.”
Gender-affirming care protections through federal healthcare programs like Medicaid and ACA exchange plans -because healthcare decisions should be made by families and doctors, not politicians.
Safe Schools policies under the Department of Education to expand anti-bullying programs, affirm student identities, and protect teachers from political censorship.
Letâs Be Clear:
No child should be told theyâre dangerous because of who they are.
No adult should lose a job, home, or healthcare because of who they love.
And no politician -including Donald Trump, gets to erase Americans from public life just to win votes.
This is not about left vs. right. Itâs about freedom vs. fear and I choose freedom, every time.
I will never back down from defending LGBTQ+ rights. Not now. Not ever.
Sign up to volunteer today.
Roman Gael Valenciano canât win without you on this team.
Gender-Affirming Care for Youth Includes:
Mental health support:
Counseling with licensed therapists who help youth explore their gender identity and provide support for depression, anxiety, or dysphoria.
Support for the family to understand and affirm their childâs identity.
Social affirmation:
Supporting the youth in using their chosen name, pronouns, clothing, and appearance that reflect their gender identity.
Respecting their identity in school, home, and healthcare settings.
Medical options (when appropriate and under strict guidelines):
Puberty blockers: Safe, reversible medications that pause puberty to give young people time to understand their gender identity without the added stress of irreversible physical changes.
Hormone therapy (e.g., estrogen or testosterone): Typically offered only after age 16 and with comprehensive medical and mental health evaluation, consent from guardians, and ongoing supervision.
No surgery for minors:
Major surgeries (like gender-affirming surgeries) are rare and not recommended for minors by leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society.
Why This Matters:
Gender-affirming care:
Reduces suicide risk and mental health issues among transgender youth.
Helps families stay connected and supportive.
Is endorsed by every major U.S. medical and psychological association.
This care is about listening, supporting, and affirming, not rushing or pushing medical interventions.