Tennessee’s ban on certain medical treatments 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 treatments for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families. 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 overshadowed their everyday experiences as adolescents.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from Nashville
Some families chose to leave Tennessee immediately after the state banned gender-transition care for their children, while others decided to stay and prioritize their children’s medical needs by cutting back on expenses and traveling out of state for appointments.
Some people who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are open to the idea of possibly leaving the state at some point in the future.
Families are feeling tremendous pressure as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are concerned that a decision in support of the ban, enacted last year, could negatively impact the care of their children, especially with the upcoming Trump administration promising to implement restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman explained that dealing with the effects of the law in Tennessee made her feel like she had to adapt to a new way of living where she constantly had to explain that she didn’t have any good choices. She likened the situation to experiencing a natural disaster within her family, as it altered her sense of self and comfort. Kristen and her teenage daughter left Tennessee shortly after the law was passed.
Five families, including 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 tells you about their identity and needs, it is your responsibility as a parent to show them support.
The name is Kristen
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