ASHA Opposes Discrimination of the LGBTQIA+ Community

July 12, 2023

Dear ASHA members,

Your Association is deeply committed to combating discrimination in the field of communication sciences and disorders and the practices of audiology and speech-language pathology. We believe every person, including all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, has a right to bodily autonomy, self-determination, and equal access to healthcare, educational and employment opportunities, community-based services, and protections. A critical professional value and expectation promoted by ASHA’s Code of Ethics (2023) is “fairness.” Specifically, it prohibits discrimination in the provision of services based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, and also prohibits such discrimination among professionals.

ASHA denounces the Supreme Court’s recent decision in favor of a business that, based on religious objections, refuses to provide services to celebrate same-sex weddings. This ruling erodes hard won civil rights protections for LGBTQIA+ people. We also condemn state legislation and regulatory policies that deny patient access to gender-affirming care and limit clinicians' ability to provide such care—steps that could harm the well-being of transgender and gender nonconforming people across the nation. ASHA reaffirms that gender-affirming voice treatment is within the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, and wants all providers to feel safe and supported in their workplaces.

The full repercussions of these developments remain to be seen. We are actively tracking gender-affirming care legislation at the state level and remain steadfast in delivering guidance and support to our state associations for their advocacy efforts. ASHA will continue to disseminate information and resources to members who seek to advocate for gender-affirming care. Please see the resources listed after this message.

ASHA stays committed to joining with other organizations to advocate for our LGBTQIA+ members and the people we serve. As a member organization of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities, we will be a signatory to a forthcoming statement denouncing attacks on LGBTQIA+ rights, and calls for comprehensive non-discrimination, care, and accessibility measures.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation for all you do in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.

Robert M. Augustine, PhD, CCC-SLP
2023 ASHA President