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.
Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families with transgender children. The Supreme Court is set to review a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
The ban has had a significant impact on the lives of young people who are both transgender and going through normal adolescent experiences.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from Nashville
Some families left quickly after Tennessee outlawed gender-transition care for their kids, leaving their homes and withdrawing from school. Other families decided to stay, saving money by reducing vacations and holiday spending in order to travel out of state for medical appointments.
Some people who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are still considering the option of relocating elsewhere 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 make it even more difficult to provide care for their children, especially with the potential for the Trump administration to impose more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, expressed the emotional toll of constantly having to explain that she did not have a choice and that none of the available options were ideal. She likened the experience to a natural disaster disrupting her family dynamics and sense of comfort.
Five families and three of their children agreed to participate in interviews on the condition of anonymity due to fears of retaliation and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, when your child comes to you and expresses their identity and needs, it is important for parents to provide support and acceptance.
Name: Kristen Chapman
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