With the famed columns of the South Portico of the White House in rainbow colors, David and Rebeca Bell of Charleston took a moment to take in the scene around them amid a throng of people on the South Lawn. "I feel like I am still in a pinch-me state of mind," Rebecca said. The Bell family, who fought hard against South Carolina legislation that will now cut off the care their transgender daughter has been receiving, were among the activists invited this week to the White House Pride Month Celebration , hosted by first lady Jill Biden and daughter Ashley.
Rebecca Bell of Charleston and South Carolina activist Phillip J. Ford at the White House Pride Month celebration on the South Lawn on June 26, 2024. The Bells were among the most visible parents in South Carolina speaking out this year against proposed legislation that would bar gender-affirming care for anyone under age 18 and for anyone on the Medicaid or state employee health plan.
They are fighting on behalf of their 15-year-old transgender daughter, whom The Post and Courier is referring to as Mia to protect her privacy. The Bells attended every hearing and vote, but the bill was the first major piece of legislation passed by the House of Representatives, and ultimately passed the Senate despite the pleas of families who say they just want what they and their doctors feel is best for their children. Gov.
Henry McMaster signed it into law, despite a plea from David Bell. Ahead of getting their invitation to the White H.