The families of 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 currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families with transgender children. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
The ban has had a significant impact on the everyday experiences of young people who are transgender, affecting their normal adolescent activities and experiences.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Reporting live from Nashville
After Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care for children, some families quickly left their homes and withdrew their children from school. Others decided to stay, sacrificing vacations and holiday spending to travel out of state for necessary medical appointments.
Some people who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are still open to the idea of leaving the state at some point in the future.
Families are feeling very anxious as the Supreme Court discusses a challenge to the Tennessee law on Wednesday. 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 impose more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved out of Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, described the experience as forcing her to adapt to a new way of life where she constantly has to explain that she didn’t choose the situation and there are no favorable solutions. She likened it to a natural disaster impacting her family, altering her sense of self and comfort.
Five families and three children agreed to be interviewed anonymously due to fears of retaliation and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, when your child comes to you and expresses their identity and needs, it is your responsibility as a parent to show them your support.
The name is Kristen
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