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.
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.
The ban has had a significant impact on the daily lives of young people who are transgender, disrupting their typical experiences of growing up.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from the city
Upon Tennessee’s prohibition of gender-transition care for children, the initial families departed promptly, vacating their residences and withdrawing their kids from school. Some families opted to stay, adjusting their budgets by reducing vacation and holiday expenses in order to travel out of state for medical appointments.
Some individuals who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are still considering the option of moving away in the future.
Families are feeling extremely anxious as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are worried that if the ban is upheld, it could lead to even more difficulties in caring for their children, especially with the upcoming changes promised by the incoming Trump administration regarding transgender rights.
Kristen Chapman, who moved away from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, described the challenge of constantly having to explain that she didn’t choose her situation and there are no good solutions. She compared the experience to a natural disaster that disrupts family dynamics and forces individuals to adapt to a new way of living.
Five other families and three children agreed to be interviewed on the condition of anonymity due to fears of retaliation and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, if your child approaches you and expresses their true identity and needs, as a parent, your role is to provide them with your support.
The name is Kristen
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