Grand Canyon Times

Dr. Miriam Grossman -- a well-known child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist -- is featured in the latest American Principles Project (APP) political ad attacking U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) for his support of transgender children over parental rights.

The APP describes itself as a "national pro-family" advocacy group, which believes "the family is America's most important institution," according to the PAC's website. The APP works with campaigns and elections to support pro-family legislation and ideas. 

"We have an explosion of kids, rather suddenly, making an announcement that they are transgender," Grossman said in the ad. "Kids are told -- elementary school, middle school -- if your parents don't go along with this, they're not on your side. There are no gold standard studies about transgender kids. Zero. We have to go out there and stop this. Our children deserve better."

The number of kids who identify as transgender has doubled in recent years, according to data from the UCLA School of Law Williams Institute. It found that from 2017 to 2020, the number has gone up by 10%, while 1.4% of children between the ages of 13-17 identify as transgender, compared to 0.5% of adults. 

"Generationally, gender has become a part of someone's identity that is more socially acceptable to explore," Dr. Angela Goepferd, medical director of the Gender Health Program, told The New York Times. 

The APP ad criticized Kelly for his support for the Equality Act. According to Congress.gov, it "prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity in areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit and the jury system."

Kelly supported the federal law.

"Now let's pass the Equality Act to ensure these protections from discrimination in employment for all LGBTQ Americans extend to all areas — including housing, education and health care services," Kelly wrote in a June 2020 tweet. 

The APP responded to the Equality Act stating that it "would be devastating for women's rights, forcing female athletes to compete against biological males and opening private women's spaces to men, including bathrooms, locker rooms and shelters. It would also deeply imperil every American's First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of religion."

The ad also claimed Kelly introduced a bill that "would result in lifelong physical and emotional harm to countless children," but it's unclear which bill the ad is referring to.

Kelly also tweeted about "Trans Day of Remembrance" to show his support for the transgender movement. 

"Trans Day of Remembrance is a solemn reminder of the dangers facing the trans community, particularly trans women of color," Kelly wrote in a November 2021 tweet. "We honor those lost to anti-trans violence and must recommit ourselves to creating a future where transgender people can live without fear."