Prairie State Wire

Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy has attributed the endangerment of transgender youth to Republican lawmakers, accusing them of "demonizing trans kids" and alleging that their actions have driven 21 transgender youths to suicide or attempted suicide.

"Since January, the organization Trans Up Front that serves families of trans children reported has had reports of 21 suicides and attempted suicides by trans youth," said Kelly M. Cassidy, State Representative for 14th District (D), according to YouTube. "This is the outcome of what you call a game. You can fish for Cassidy all day every day baby, but when you come for kids, you're going to catch the car and get dragged. You have blood on your hands. The blood of these children is on your hands. You are driving children to suicide."

In a speech on the House floor, Cassidy, a Democrat, criticized Republican lawmakers for their rhetoric and legislative priorities, as reported by Breakthrough Ideas. She highlighted debates over the participation of transgender minors in girls' sports, stating that Republican discourse on this issue has led to 21 reported suicides or suicide attempts since January, according to Trans Up Front. Cassidy also mentioned an incident involving a child from Naperville whose identity was publicly shared, resulting in threats against the family.

Cassidy's post on YouTube | YouTube

State Representative Bill Hauter described Cassidy's accusations as "vile," according to Laurie Higgins from Breakthrough Ideas. Higgins characterized Cassidy's speech as manipulative and "unhinged," accusing her of exploiting vulnerable youth for political purposes and attempting to silence her opponents through shame. Higgins further claimed that Cassidy and others on the political left have spotlighted trans-identifying children while blaming conservatives for the emotional consequences instead of addressing underlying psychological and medical issues affecting these minors.

An NBC News poll conducted in April 2025 found that over 75% of American adults oppose "trans women" competing in girls' sports.

Cassidy has served as a state representative since 2011. Her previous roles include director for Programs and Development at Cook County State's Attorney from 2001 to 2011 and deputy director at Intergovernmental Affairs from 1997 to 2001.