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 reviewing a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
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.
The ban has impacted children and teenagers, causing their usual experiences during adolescence to be affected by their transgender identity.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from the city
Some families decided to leave quickly after Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care for their kids, while others stayed but made sacrifices like reducing vacation and holiday spending to afford out-of-state doctor visits.
There are some people who have chosen to remain in Tennessee for now, but they have not completely dismissed the idea of moving away in the future.
Families are feeling extremely anxious as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to the Tennessee law. They are concerned that if the ban is upheld, it could negatively impact the care of their children, especially with the incoming Trump administration promising restrictions on transgender individuals’ lives.
Kristen Chapman, who moved away from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, explained that dealing with the situation made her adopt a new mindset. She described it as feeling like a natural disaster had struck her family, altering their dynamics and sense of comfort.
Five families’ parents and three children agreed to participate in interviews on the condition of anonymity due to fears of reprisal and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, if your child comes to you and expresses their true self and needs, it is your responsibility as a parent to provide them with support.
The name Kristen Chapman
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