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.
Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families with transgender children. The Supreme Court is set to review a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
The ban has had a significant impact on the young individuals who are transgender, affecting their typical teenage experiences.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from Nashville
When Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care for children, some families quickly left, abandoning their homes and schools. Those who stayed behind made sacrifices like reducing vacation and holiday spending to afford traveling out of state for necessary medical appointments.
Even those who have chosen to remain in Tennessee have not completely dismissed the idea of possibly moving away from the state at some point in the future.
Families are feeling immense pressure as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are concerned that if the ban is upheld, it could impact the care their children receive, especially with the potential for the Trump administration to implement more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved out of Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, explains the challenges of constantly having to explain that she did not choose the situation and there are no good choices available. She compares the experience to a natural disaster that affects not only her family but also her sense of well-being and comfort.
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 tells you, "This is who I am, this is what I need," as a parent, it is your responsibility to help and encourage them in that.
The name is Kristen
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