STFers meet with HRW’s Yasemin Smallens to discuss LGBT rights. Screenshot by Gabbi M.
April 6, 2026: STFers met with Yasemin Smallens, a researcher in Human Rights Watch’s LGBT Rights Division, to learn about her journey into advocacy, which began in high school and has been rooted in a commitment to protecting the LGBTQ+ community.
Yasemin spoke about her most recent report, “They’re Ruining People’s Lives,” which examines the impact of bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and their families in the United States. She reflected on the human stories behind the research and the broader implications for rights and access.
STFers asked pressing questions including:
- “What steps are important for people who might not be so familiar with the experience to help create a safer environment for trans youth?”
- “Can you speak more about transgender youth that are unhoused?”
- “Is there an intersection between religion and existing laws against transgender youth?”
When asked what message should students take away from this discussion, Yasemin said, “Young people have all the power…We have a generation of people that have a more nuanced, inclusive, expansive understanding of gender and they can’t take that away. Hold onto that ground and continue expanding that base of support.”