A far-left congressional candidate in Colorado is drawing sharp criticism after declaring that efforts to prevent irreversible gender procedures on minors are “horrific” and unveiling plans for what she calls a “Trans Bill of Rights.”
Melat Kiros, a socialist candidate challenging longtime Democrat Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s First Congressional District, recently announced that her campaign platform is being updated to include an expansive slate of transgender policies, including support for what she describes as “gender-affirming care for all ages.”
Appearing on the Call Me Limbo podcast, Kiros said Democrats must become “forceful,” “aggressive,” and “proactive” in advancing policies related to transgender issues, particularly when it comes to children.
“We have to be so forceful and clear and aggressive in our protection and our advocacy for the trans community, especially for trans kids,” Kiros said.
The remarks came as Colorado activists are advancing Initiative No. 110, a proposed ballot measure that would prohibit surgeries intended to alter a minor’s biological sex characteristics and prevent taxpayer funds from being used for those procedures.
Supporters of the measure argue that children should be protected from irreversible medical interventions until they are adults and capable of making life-altering decisions for themselves. Opponents, including Kiros, view the proposal as harmful to transgender-identifying youth.
Kiros described such efforts as “absolutely destructive” and argued that Democrats who retreat from supporting transgender policies for minors are abandoning the party’s stated commitment to equality.
“I think there are Democrats that have even considered abandoning our solidarity and our advocacy for the gay community, particularly for trans people and trans kids,” she said. “For that I would say that you’re not a Democrat.”
According to her campaign website, Kiros supports access to so-called gender-affirming care “for all ages,” easier changes to identity documents, Medicare for All, universal childcare, guaranteed abortion access, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The controversy highlights a growing divide within the Democratic Party over transgender issues involving minors. While progressive activists continue to push for expanded access to medical interventions, a growing number of Americans, including some Democrats, have expressed concerns about allowing irreversible procedures for children.
For many conservatives, the debate ultimately comes down to a simple question: Should children be permitted to undergo permanent medical procedures that they may later regret, or should those decisions be reserved for adulthood?
As cultural battles over parental rights, children’s health, and gender ideology intensify, races like Colorado’s First Congressional District are likely to become another front in the broader national debate.