State Department will consider 'gender dysphoria and gender transition care' for workers overseas

The agency promises it will "increase support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) employees and family members"
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister following a meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on September 8, 2021.

The State Department is pledging to "access resources for gender dysphoria and gender transition care" for its employees who are stationed in foreign countries and their families.

The initiative is part of the agency's "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Strategic Plan" for 2022 through 2026.

According to the State Department's DEIA Strategic Plan, the agency will "increase support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) employees and family members" and "assess resources for gender dysphoria and gender transition care at posts for employees and their dependents."

The LGBTQI portion of the strategic plan also includes increasing "gender-neutral restrooms and locker rooms in overseas facilities."

The agency also said it would "evaluate and ensure inclusion and safety policies and procedures for LGBTQI+ children at overseas schools in collaboration with the educational accreditation agencies and provide mechanisms for social-emotional support."

The strategic plan was released by the "Secretary's Office of Diversity and Inclusion."

Republican lawmakers have argued that tax dollars should not be used for gender transition care.

"The facts are simple," said Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), according to the Washington Free Beacon. "Biden’s policies exploit and harm children to promote his political agenda. These experimental and irreversible treatments on children shouldn’t be tolerated, let alone promoted."