The families of transgender children in Tennessee are facing tough decisions due to the state’s ban on certain medical treatments for transgender youth. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
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 currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
The ban has had a significant impact on the everyday lives of young people who identify as transgender, causing them to experience adolescence differently than their peers.
Backed by
Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from Nashville
Some families left their homes and schools quickly after Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care for their children. Others stayed behind, making sacrifices like cutting back on vacations and holiday spending to travel out of state for doctor appointments.
Some people who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are still open to the idea of leaving the state at some point in the future.
Families are feeling extremely anxious as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are worried that if the ban is upheld, it could negatively impact the care their children receive, especially with the incoming Trump administration promising to impose more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved out of Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, explained that dealing with the situation felt like being forced to adapt to a new way of life where there are no ideal choices. She likened it to experiencing a personal tragedy that alters one’s sense of self and comfort.
Five families and three children agreed to participate in interviews on the condition of anonymity due to fears of retaliation and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, as a parent, it is important to support your child when they come to you and express their identity and needs.
The name is Kristen
We are facing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
To use all features on this website, make sure to activate
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access. If you are currently in Reader mode, please close that and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all of The Times.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access.
Have you already signed up for a subscription? Please log in
Interested in accessing all content from The Times? Consider subscribing today.
Prom
Index of the Website
Navigation for Site Information on