Families with 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 currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing families of transgender children to face difficult decisions. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
The ban has had a significant impact on the children and teenagers who are transgender, altering their typical adolescent experiences.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from the city
Some families left quickly after Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care for children, leaving their homes and schools. Others decided to stay, making sacrifices like cutting back on holidays and expenses to travel out of state for necessary medical appointments.
Some individuals who are currently living in Tennessee have mentioned that they are considering the option of moving out of the state at some point in the future, despite
Families are feeling extremely anxious as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are worried that if the ban is upheld, it could endanger the care of their children, especially as the new Trump administration plans to impose more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who relocated from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, expressed the emotional toll of being in a situation where there are no favorable options and constantly having to explain that the circumstances were not chosen. She likened the experience to a natural disaster within the family, as it alters one’s sense of self and comfort.
Five families and three children were interviewed for this study, but requested to remain anonymous due to fears of retribution and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, if your child comes to you and expresses their identity and needs, it is your responsibility as a parent to provide them with support.
The name is Kristen
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