Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing families of transgender children to face difficult decisions. The Supreme Court is reviewing a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
Tennessee’s ban on certain medical treatments for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families. The Supreme Court is reviewing a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
The children and teenagers impacted by the ban are facing challenges in their adolescent years as they navigate their transgender identities.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from the city
Some families quickly left their homes and withdrew their children from school after Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care. Other families decided to stay, making sacrifices such as reducing vacation and holiday expenses in order to travel out of state for medical appointments.
Some people who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are still considering the option of moving away in the future.
Families are feeling immense pressure as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are concerned that a decision in favor of the ban, which was passed recently, could make it even harder to ensure proper care for their children. This comes at a time when the new Trump administration has promised to impose more restrictions on the lives of transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who relocated from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, described the challenges of constantly having to explain that she did not choose the situation and there were no favorable choices. She likened the experience to a natural disaster affecting her family, altering their sense of well-being and identity.
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, when your child comes to you and tells you about their identity and needs, it is your responsibility as a parent to provide them with support.
The name is Kristen
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