Tennessee’s ban on various medical treatments for transgender youth is causing families to make difficult decisions. 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 set to review a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
The ban has had a significant impact on the young people who are transgender, affecting their usual experiences during adolescence.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Updating from Nashville
Some families chose to leave Tennessee after the state banned gender-transition care for their children, quickly leaving their homes and schools. Other families decided to stay, sacrificing vacations and holiday spending to travel out of state for doctor appointments.
Some people who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are still considering the option of relocating elsewhere in the future.
Families are feeling intense pressure as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are worried that a decision in favor of the ban could harm their children’s well-being, especially with the new Trump administration planning to impose more restrictions on transgender individuals.
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 where she constantly had to remind herself that she didn’t choose this and that there were no good choices available. She likened the experience to a natural disaster within her family, as it altered her sense of self and comfort.
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, as a parent, it is important to support your child if they come to you and express their true identity and needs.
The name Kristen Chapman
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