Tennessee’s ban on certain medical treatments 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.
The families of 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 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 identify as transgender, affecting their typical experiences during adolescence.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
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Some families quickly left Tennessee after the state banned gender-transition care for their children, while others decided to stay and made sacrifices like reducing vacation and holiday spending to travel out of state for doctor appointments.
Some people who have chosen to stay in Tennessee have not completely dismissed the idea of leaving the state at some point in the future.
Families are feeling extremely anxious as the Supreme Court deliberates on a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are concerned that a decision supporting the ban could negatively impact the care of their children, especially with the incoming Trump administration planning to impose restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was passed, described the experience as having to adapt to a new way of living where she constantly has to explain that she didn’t want this situation and there are no good choices available. She likened it to a natural disaster affecting her family, altering how she feels and where she can find peace.
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, as a parent, it is important to support your child when they come to you and express their true self and needs.
The name is Kristen
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