Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing families of transgender children to make difficult decisions. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
Tennessee’s ban on medical care for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families. The Supreme Court is reviewing a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
The ban has had a significant impact on the lives of children and teenagers who identify as transgender, affecting their usual experiences of growing up.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Sending updates from Nashville
Some families quickly left their homes and withdrew their children from school after Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care. Others decided to stay, adjusting their budgets to afford trips to out-of-state doctor appointments.
Some people who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are still open to the idea of moving away in the future.
Families are feeling a lot of pressure as the Supreme Court listens to arguments about a Tennessee law. They are worried that if the ban is upheld, it could put their children’s care at risk, especially with the new Trump administration planning to impose more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, explained that dealing with the situation forced her to adapt to a new way of life where she constantly had to explain that she did not have a choice and there were no good options available. She likened the experience to a natural disaster affecting her family, as it altered her sense of self and comfort.
Five families’ parents and three children agreed to be interviewed on the condition of anonymity due to fears of reprisal and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, parents should support their child when they come to them and express their true identity and needs.
Kristen Chapman
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