The families of transgender children in Tennessee are facing difficult decisions due to the state’s ban on certain medical treatments for transgender youth. The Supreme Court is set to review a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families with transgender children. The Supreme Court is reviewing a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
The ban has had a significant impact on the children and teenagers who are transgender, causing them to have their typical adolescent experiences overshadowed by their gender identity.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from Nashville
Some families decided to leave Tennessee after the state banned gender-transition care for their children, while others stayed behind and made sacrifices in order to travel out of state for their children’s medical appointments.
Some people who still live in Tennessee have not completely dismissed the idea of moving away in the future.
Families are feeling extreme pressure as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are worried that if the ban is upheld, it could put their children’s care at risk, especially with the new Trump administration promising to impose more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who relocated from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, explained how challenging it is to constantly have to explain that there were no good choices in the situation. She likened the experience to a natural disaster affecting her family, altering her sense of self and comfort.
Five families and three children agreed to be interviewed on the condition of anonymity due to fears of retaliation and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, when your child tells you who they are and what they need, it is important as a parent to show them your support.
The name is Kristen
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