Tennessee’s ban on certain medical treatments for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families with transgender children. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
Families with transgender children in Tennessee are facing difficult decisions due to the state’s ban on certain types of medical care 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 are transgender, as it has disrupted their usual experiences of growing up.
Backed by
Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from the city
Some families quickly left their homes and withdrew their children from school when Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care. Other families decided to stay, prioritizing their children’s medical needs by reducing expenses on trips and holiday shopping to travel out of state for doctor appointments.
Some people who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are still considering the option of moving away at some point in the future.
Families are feeling extremely anxious as the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments regarding a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are worried that if the ban is upheld, it could negatively impact the care and safety of their children, especially with the incoming Trump administration promising to impose more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved away from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after a new law was passed, expressed how difficult it is to constantly explain that the situation was not a choice and there are no good solutions. She compared the experience to a natural disaster that affects not only your family dynamics but also your sense of well-being and comfort.
Parents from five different families, as well as three of the children, were willing 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, your role as a parent is to provide them with support.
Kristen Chapman
We are currently experiencing difficulties accessing the content of the article.
To use all the features of this website, make sure to
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access. If you are currently in Reader mode, please log out and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all of The Times content.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access.
Are you currently a member? Please sign in.
Interested in accessing all content from The Times? Subscribe now.
Prom
Website Index
Navigation for Site Information