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In 2018, Vanderbilt University Medical Center opened a new clinic for transgender care. However, years later, conservatives raised concerns and called for an investigation, leading to Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care.
Written by Emily Cochrane
The introduction of a transgender clinic at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2018 did not receive much publicity. The announcement only included basic information such as the clinic’s address, operating hours, and the names of two key staff members.
Four years later, attention was brought to the clinic by Matt Walsh, a conservative political commentator from The Daily Wire in Nashville. He released a series of posts and videos discussing the clinic, claiming that a staff member had expressed negative views about gender-affirming treatments, referring to them as ways to make money and using harsh language to criticize the center’s practices.
The medical center, independent from Vanderbilt University, responded by stating that their clinic’s purpose was to cater to a group at high risk for mental and physical health problems, who have historically not received adequate care from the U.S. healthcare system.
The medical center stated that they do not treat children under 18 without parental consent and will not require any employee to provide care that goes against their personal or religious beliefs.
Members of the conservative party demanded an inquiry into the clinic, and GOP officials delivered speeches at a rally arranged by Mr. Walsh in Nashville in October 2022, expressing their opposition to gender-affirming treatment for minors. During the gathering of Tennessee lawmakers in January 2023, a proposed prohibition on gender-affirming care was labeled as Senate Bill 1. Despite opposition from transgender individuals and the majority of Democrats, the bill was approved.
Emily Cochrane is a journalist who reports on news in the southern United States for The Times. She is located in Nashville. You can find more information about Emily Cochrane
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