U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has shared a heartfelt and powerful message for transgender young people, reassuring them that they are not to blame for the political attacks and hostility they are facing. Speaking directly to trans youth, she offered words of comfort and solidarity at a time when many feel unsafe or unfairly targeted in public debates.
The Democratic representative from New York, known for her outspoken support of LGBTQ+ rights, took to TikTok to respond to a follower who asked what she would say to trans youth right now. In a calm but emotional tone, Ocasio-Cortez reminded them that the negativity surrounding them is not their fault.
“I know this time is terrifying for so many people, and it feels hard to know where your place is, especially in politics, where it feels like people in both parties are blaming you for everything that’s happening,” she said. “I just want you to know that they couldn’t be more wrong.”
She went on to add, “You are fine just the way you are, and, in a time when it’s hard to know who stands with you, I want you to know that I stand with you. And everyone who wants to be mean shouldn’t be mean around me.” Her words struck a chord with viewers across social media, where many thanked her for standing up for vulnerable young people.
Direct Support Amid Political Hostility
Ocasio-Cortez’s message comes as transgender and non-binary people—especially young individuals—face growing hostility in U.S. politics. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, many conservative lawmakers have introduced or supported laws that restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. These measures often include bans on trans participation in sports, limits on gender-affirming care, and restrictions on public facilities like restrooms.
Critics argue that such policies unfairly target young people and use them as scapegoats for broader political agendas. In this tense environment, Ocasio-Cortez’s message offered reassurance and visibility to those feeling isolated. By directly addressing trans youth, she sent a clear signal that not all leaders share the same divisive views.
Her communication was simple yet powerful. She avoided political jargon and instead focused on empathy, understanding, and reassurance. Many praised her for using her platform to remind young people that their identity is valid and that they deserve respect and safety. The video quickly spread across TikTok and other platforms, gathering thousands of views and supportive comments.
Challenging Harmful Narratives
Alongside her message of encouragement, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also addressed misleading narratives that portray LGBTQ+ people as a threat, particularly to women. She highlighted that real dangers often come from outside the LGBTQ+ community, noting that most abuse and harassment are committed by straight, cisgender men. Her remarks challenge the false claims sometimes promoted in political discussions and media coverage.
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Ocasio-Cortez also spoke about her own experiences with harassment, recalling her first encounter with inappropriate behavior as a young teenager. She emphasized that such abuse is not connected to trans people but instead reflects broader issues of gender-based violence and power.
She has consistently opposed policies that she believes endanger LGBTQ+ individuals, including so-called “toilet bans” and trans bans in sports. Ocasio-Cortez has warned that such measures could lead to invasive practices, like unnecessary body checks, which would harm everyone—especially women and girls.
Through her statements, the Congresswoman reinforced her commitment to protecting marginalized communities from being unfairly blamed or misrepresented. Her approach focused on facts, compassion, and fairness, reminding the public that trans youth deserve dignity and support.
Her closing words summed up her message of solidarity: “My message for trans youth in what feels like a terrifying moment—I stand with you. I’ve got your back.” The video’s reach shows that her words resonated far beyond her usual audience, offering comfort to many who needed to hear that message of hope.
