U.S. Supreme Court decision reinforces state-level barriers to trans youth medical treatment.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti today upheld Tennessee’s prohibition on gender-affirming medical care for minors, creating legal precedent that may complicate efforts to overturn similar legislation in 27 other states. While this ruling is a significant disappointment, it is important to remember that legal efforts to contest these restrictions will persist on other grounds, and gender-affirming care continues to be accessible in numerous states.
“We are extremely disappointed with today’s decision,” says Spencer Pride Transgender Advocacy Director Nathaniel Clawson.
“Healthcare bans threaten people’s well-being, the safety of our communities, and the ability of every family to determine what’s best for them,” Clawson continues.
Spencer Pride strongly believes that families and doctors deserve trust, respect, and privacy as they make medical decisions, free from political interference.
Spencer Pride President Jonathan Balash has a clear message on behalf of the organization: “We want every transgender kid in Indiana to hear this: we love you and we will always fight for you. Thank you for being you.”
The Court’s decision today was very narrow. It provides minimal guidance for how the justices might handle other transgender-related cases, including sports bans, transgender military bans, or regulations related to schools, correctional facilities, and government IDs. These cases involve direct discrimination against transgender individuals, which today’s majority opinion avoided addressing in today’s ruling. We hope that the court will thoughtfully consider these cases and rule in a manner that demonstrates care for transgender people, including trans youth.
“All of us at Spencer Pride stand in solidarity with transgender youth and their families affected by today’s ruling,” says Director of Youth Empowerment Joy Hellman.
Hellman leads Spencer Pride’s youth programming, which includes the Iris Youth Group. The youth group is open to kids from ages 10-19 and meets twice monthly to socialize and support one another. It is open to any child who identifies as LGBTQ+ or an ally.
Hellman continues: “Rest assured: while this decision is disheartening, our work is not affected by it. We will continue to support all LGBTQ+ youth, including those who identify as transgender and non-binary.”
For more information about Spencer Pride’s Iris Youth Group or to learn about other opportunities for local youth, e-mail Youth Empowerment Director Joy Hellman at Joy@SpencerPride.org.
For more information about how to engage with advocacy for transgender people, e-mail Transgender Advocacy Director Nathaniel Clawson at Nathaniel@SpencerPride.org.
