Tennessee’s ban on certain medical treatments for transgender children is causing difficult decisions for their families. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing challenges for families with transgender children. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
The ban has had a significant impact on the everyday experiences of young people who are both transgender and in their adolescent years.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from the city
After Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care for minors, some families decided to leave immediately, leaving their homes and withdrawing their children from school. Others opted to stay but had to make sacrifices, such as reducing holiday spending and travel in order to attend out-of-state doctor appointments.
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 the Tennessee law. They are concerned that a decision in support of the ban, which was enacted last year, could worsen the situation for their children, especially with the new Trump administration promising to implement more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, a resident who left Tennessee with her teenage daughter after a new law was passed, expressed the challenges of constantly having to explain that she did not choose her circumstances and that there are no good options available. She likened the experience to a natural disaster occurring within her family, altering her sense of self and comfort.
Parents from five different families, along with three of the children, were willing to participate in interviews under the condition of anonymity due to fears of potential backlash and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, as a parent, it is important to support your child if they come to you and express their true identity and needs.
Kristen Chapman
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