As GOP-led states continue to ban medically necessary care for trans youth and some adults, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) has signed an executive order protecting gender-affirming care.

“In the state of Maryland, nobody should have to justify their own humanity,” Moore saidwhile signing the order at a Pride event. “This order is focused on ensuring Maryland is a safe place for gender-affirming care, especially as other states take misguided and hateful steps to make gender-affirming care cause for legal retribution. In Maryland, we are going to lead on this issue.”

Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller said the order shows that “this administration is saying to all LGBTQIA+ Marylanders: You deserve to be your authentic selves, during Pride month and every month. You deserve to live safely, openly and freely; and receive the gender-affirming care you need.” 

This is one of several moves state leaders have made this year to protect the more than 94,000 trans and nonbinary Marylanders. In March, Moore signed the Trans Health Equity Act, which requires state Medicaid plans to cover gender-affirming care. Among the treatments covered are hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and surgeries, as well as voice training, fertility preservation, and permanent hair removal.

Moore was also the first governor in state history to formally recognize March 31st as the International Transgender Day of Visibility. 

The state also recently repealed an archaic law banning sodomy. Moore did not sign the bill overturning the Unnatural or Perverted Sexual Practices Act, but he allowed it to go into effect without his signature.

The Pride event at Government House – the state’s official governor’s residence – is the first to ever be held there. 

“I want you to know that in this house, you aren’t just welcome, you are necessary,” said First Lady Dawn Moore.