Tennessee’s ban on certain medical treatments for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families with transgender children. The Supreme Court will review 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 reviewing a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
The ban has had a significant impact on the lives of young people who are transgender, as it has disrupted their usual experiences during adolescence.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from the city
As soon as Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care for children, some families immediately left the state, abandoning their homes and withdrawing their kids from school. Other families decided to stay, making sacrifices like cutting back on vacations and holiday spending in order to travel out of state for necessary doctor appointments.
Even individuals who have chosen to remain in Tennessee acknowledge the potential for them to relocate in the future.
Families are feeling extremely anxious as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to Tennessee’s law. They are concerned that a decision in favor of the ban, which was approved last year, could put their children’s care at risk. This comes at a time when the new Trump administration has promised to enforce limitations on the lives of transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved away from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, explained that dealing with the situation made her adopt a completely new mindset. She expressed feeling like a natural disaster had hit her family, as it altered her emotions and sense of security.
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, if your child confides in you about their identity and needs, it is your responsibility as a parent to be there for them and offer your support.
The name is Kristen
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