Families with 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 reviewing a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
Families with 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 young people who are transgender, causing their typical experiences during adolescence to be disrupted.
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Authored by Emily Cochr
Reporting live from the
Some families decided to leave Tennessee after the state banned gender-transition care for their children, while others stayed and made sacrifices to travel out of state for doctor appointments. This included cutting back on expenses like vacations and Christmas gifts.
Even individuals who have chosen to remain in Tennessee have not completely dismissed the idea of relocating 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 result in even more difficulties in caring for their children, especially with the new Trump administration promising to impose restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved away from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, explained that dealing with the situation made her feel like she had to adjust to a new way of living. It was difficult for her to constantly explain that she didn’t have a choice and that none of the options available were good. She compared the experience to a natural disaster occurring within her family, as it altered her sense of self and disrupted her sense of security.
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, if your child shares their true identity and needs with you, it is your responsibility as a parent to be there for them and provide support.
Kristen Chapman
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