Tennessee’s ban on certain medical treatments for transgender youth is forcing families to make difficult decisions. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
The families of 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 ban has had a significant impact on the lives of young people who are transgender, affecting their typical experiences during adolescence.
Backed by
Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from the city
Some families quickly left Tennessee after the state banned gender-transition care for their children, leaving their homes and schools. Others decided to stay, making sacrifices like reducing vacations and holiday spending to travel out of state for doctor appointments.
Some individuals 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 Tennessee’s law. They are worried that if the ban is upheld, it could impact the care of their children, especially with the new administration’s plans to impose restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved away from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, explained that having to constantly explain that she didn’t have a choice and that there were no good options forced her to adapt to a new way of living. She compared the experience to a natural disaster affecting her family, altering her emotions and sense of comfort.
Parents from five different families, along with three of the children, were willing to participate in interviews as long as their identities were kept confidential. They expressed worries about facing retaliation and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, if your child comes to you and expresses their true identity and needs, as a parent, it is important to provide them with your support.
The name is Kristen
We are experiencing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
To use this website, please activate JavaScript in your browser preferences
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm access. If you are currently in Reader mode, please log out and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all of The Times content.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access.
Are you currently a member? Please sign in.
Interested in accessing all of The Times’ content? Subscribe today.
Prom
Index of the website
Navigation information for the website