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.
Families with transgender children in Tennessee are facing difficult decisions due to the state’s ban on certain types of medical care for transgender youth. 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, overshadowing their typical experiences of adolescence.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from Nashville
Some families decided to leave Tennessee after the state banned gender-transition care for their children, quickly moving out of their homes and withdrawing their kids from school. Others opted to stay, sacrificing holidays and travel expenses to travel out of state for medical appointments.
Even those who have chosen to remain in Tennessee have not completely dismissed the idea of moving away from the state at some point in the future.
Families are feeling immense pressure as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to the Tennessee law. They are concerned that a decision in favor of the ban could put their children’s care at risk, especially with the incoming Trump administration planning to enforce restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was passed, explained that living in a situation where there are no good options forces you to adapt to a new way of thinking and being. It feels like a sudden disaster has occurred within the family, altering your sense of self 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, as a parent, it is important to support your child if they come to you and express their identity and needs.
The name is Kristen
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