Thread by @andyokc

The more I think about how Stitt and #okleg have harmfully targeted trans youth (and the LGBTQ community in general), the more angry I get.

Here's why: As some of you know, I previously ran the adult HIV clinic at OU Health for more than 10 years. 🧵 /1

While it was technically the "adult" clinic, for years we saw adolescent patients because there WASN'T an adolescent medicine specialist on campus. They're hard to come by, especially in a place like Oklahoma. /2

When the ROY G. BIV program opened, we were thrilled! Specialized care for a vulnerable group of patients - exactly what is expected at a world-class academic health center. Finally Oklahoma teens had a health care option where they didn't feel judged. /3

Just before I left, I worked closely with that clinic to ensure they had the support needed to care for HIV-infected teens as well. It was incredibly encouraging to see a team who "gets it" when it comes to LGBTQ teens. We need more resources for this population. /4

The policy decision last week (HB1007) was clearly to score political points among base voters - and it was completely unnecessary on every level. They're not gaining any votes with that kind of legislation, but they are losing them. Oklahomans don't like gov't overreach. /5

I'm an Independent voter who grew up in the church and was raised by my momma to care about other people, be more curious than judgey, and to keep my nose out of other people's business. If #okleg could master just one of those attributes, our state would be much better off. /6

To any Oklahoma teens who somehow might read this thread: Every year, roughly 50,000 Oklahomans turn 18 and are eligible to vote. If you & your friends will show up and cast a ballot in November, we can put a stop to this nonsense in a hurry. /7