We are writing as pediatricians to endorse the right of all children to grow up in an environment that welcomes, accommodates, and protects them.  In light of the rescindment of federal protections for transgender children (“Trump lifts Obama-era transgender protections,’’ Nation, Feb. 22), we express our strongest support for transgender and gender nonconforming children, as well as their families and communities who are working to help them embrace their authentic selves.

Transgender children frequently face bullying and rejection, both at home and at school. In the 2015 US Transgender Survey, 77 percent of transgender respondents reported some form of mistreatment in school due to gender identity, and 40 percent reported having attempted suicide. In the face of startling and open discrimination, transgender children deserve our protection. The rescindment of federal protections codifies rejection of these vulnerable children, placing them and their families at risk for serious, ongoing harm. We cherish the uniqueness of every child, and we firmly assert that enabling children to become their best, authentic selves is critical to optimizing individual health and building healthy communities. As pediatricians with a local and national presence, we stand with our LGBT patients and families and will work to create an inclusive and compassionate environment that ensures our children’s health.

Dr. Oscar Benavidez

Dr. Ariel Frey-Vogel

Dr. Ronald Kleinman

Dr. Sarah Messmer

Dr. Shannon Scott-Vernaglia

Dr. Takara Stanley

Dr. Carlos Torres

Massachusetts General Hospital for Children

Boston