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What I Witnessed: Providing Gender-Affirming Care to Trans Kids

2024-12-04

Conservative lawmakers have been actively introducing numerous bills in recent years, specifically targeting transgender youth's access to medical care and their participation in public life. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments regarding one such legislative attack - Tennessee's ban on treatments for transgender minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgery. (It's important to note that cisgender youth are not prohibited from pursuing these same treatments.) This challenge holds significant implications nationwide.

Unveiling the Impact of Tennessee's Ban on Transgender Youth Care

Introduction to the Issue

In recent years, conservative lawmakers have been introducing a significant number of bills that directly affect transgender youth. Tennessee's ban on certain treatments for these minors is now before the Supreme Court, with potential consequences that extend far beyond the state. This ban has sparked a heated debate and raised concerns about the rights and well-being of transgender youth.

As of now, Tennessee and 25 other states have imposed restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, despite protests from leading medical organizations. These laws have a profound impact on nearly 40 percent of all trans youth in the country. The plaintiffs in the Skrmetti case include a 16-year-old transgender girl, her parents, and two other families. Dr. Susan Lacy, a board-certified OB/GYN with decades of experience treating trans patients in Memphis, has been at the forefront of this issue.

The Journey of Providing Gender-Affirming Care

Dr. Lacy's decision to expand her practice to include gender-affirming care was a natural progression. After nearly 19 years in a private practice group, she joined a local nonprofit with a mission to provide transgender care. As a gynecologist, she found hormone management to be fascinating and was already familiar with the hormonal aspects of both masculinizing and feminizing care.

One patient's story stood out to her. They described feeling like a "Mac" operating with a "Windows system," with their brain and its functioning not aligning with their gender identity. Another patient, a 20-year-old from Alabama, had been misdiagnosed with multiple personality disorder but found relief through testosterone. These examples highlight the importance of understanding the complex relationship between brain chemistry and gender identity.

The Impact on Minors

Before the law was passed, Dr. Lacy had around 25 minors in her practice receiving gender-affirming care. She emphasizes that she never treated pre-pubertal children with puberty blockers, as that requires the input of a pediatric endocrinologist. She often worked in collaboration with a local endocrinologist, with the endocrinologist providing initial treatment and referring patients to Dr. Lacy for contraceptive management as they grew older.

When working with minors and their families, Dr. Lacy takes a comprehensive approach. She starts by asking about the patient's journey and their expectations. Parental consent and a psychological evaluation are required, with a letter from a psychologist. The process is not quick; it takes time for individuals to become aware of their gender identity and for parents to come to terms with it.

Addressing Concerns

One common concern is the perception that gender-affirming care is a rapid process. In reality, it is a gradual journey. Voice deepening is permanent, while breast growth is not reversible but also does not happen overnight. Other changes, such as facial hair growth, are reversible. Fertility is an open question as there is not enough data. Dr. Lacy uses analogies with her own family to help parents understand that the goal is to approximate the hormonal environment of the gender with which the child identifies.

The minors she treated were often eager to start the process. They were well-informed through online resources and were ready to take the next step. However, the ban on gender-affirming care has had a devastating impact on their mental health. Many feel bewildered and angry when their care is taken away, and they struggle to understand why. Dr. Lacy and her patients had to come up with a plan to continue care, often seeking resources outside of Tennessee.

The Role in the Lawsuit

Dr. Lacy decided to join the lawsuit for several reasons. As an independent practitioner with a trans child, she believes it is important to address these issues and bring them to the forefront. Her experience treating a large number of trans patients has given her a unique perspective that she feels needs to be heard.

She also feels that someone has to speak up for the minors. Their voices are compelling, and they deserve to have their rights protected. Many families with trans children are concerned about retaliation in the current political climate, and Dr. Lacy is aware of the risks. However, she is committed to standing up for her patients and ensuring that their voices are heard.

The Chilling Effect on Younger Patients

The ban on gender-affirming care not only affects minors but also has a chilling effect on younger post-adolescent patients. Those between 18 and 25 years old often rely on parental insurance and may not have the support of their families. While they are legally able to seek care, the lack of family support can make it difficult for them to access the treatment they need.

The high rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts among trans kids are a significant concern. The ban exacerbates these issues, as it limits the options available to these young people. Dr. Lacy is worried about the long-term consequences of this law and the impact it will have on the well-being of transgender youth.

In conclusion, the ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors in Tennessee has had a profound impact on the lives of these young people. Dr. Lacy's story and the experiences of her patients highlight the importance of understanding and respecting the gender identities of transgender youth and the need to protect their rights.

A mom shared a powerful perspective on toy drives and their impact on low-income children. She emphasized that children receiving gifts through such drives shouldn't have to settle for mediocre toys. Her thought-provoking views sparked a bit of a stir.

Ensuring Every Child's Holiday Magic

Children and Toy Drives

A mom admitted that children in toy drives deserve better. She pointed out that low-income kids often get stuck with low-quality toys like Dollar Tree Barbie dolls that break easily. This shows the disparity in the gifts received. As someone with adopted kids and experience in a children's group home, she knows the importance of better gifts during the holidays.There is an unfortunate mindset that low-income kids should be grateful for whatever they get. But this mom argues that they deserve nice gifts too. According to Census data, nearly 10 million children live below the poverty line, and these kids often rely on toy drives. They don't have the luxury of a Santa list like other kids.

Gift Giving and Empathy

If you've never been on the receiving end of crappy donated gifts, you don't understand the privilege. The mom wisely stated that when donating to toy drives, we should consider the recipients and what matters to them. It's not about the giver feeling good; it's about the receiver.Annie shared a message from someone who experienced donated gifts as a child. The initial video faced unwarranted criticism, with some arguing that low-income kids shouldn't be entitled. But this mindset is harmful, as it implies they don't deserve nice things.This woman insisted that kids in foster care systems are taught to ask for miracles instead of basic needs. She thought of her own children, who were hopeful during the holidays but received thoughtless toys. It broke her heart to think of them being judged.

The Importance of Donating

All kids deserve to enjoy the magic of the holidays. If you can't afford to donate something worthwhile, it's better not to participate. Nia Tipton, a staff writer, covers these topics related to psychology, relationships, and the human experience.In conclusion, every child should have the chance to experience something special during the holidays, and we should strive to make that happen through better toy drives and more thoughtful giving.

In an era of intense societal discussions, a transgender attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union has emerged as a key figure. Chase Strangio, in an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper on Tuesday, has sparked a heated debate by advocating for sex change surgery for children while also acknowledging the complexity of consent at such a young age. This case, involving Tennessee's ban on "trans youth health care" including surgeries and puberty blockers, will be argued before the Supreme Court later this week. It raises crucial questions about the rights and well-being of transgender minors.

Chase Strangio's Perspective on the Ongoing Challenge

When Tapper asked how Strangio would respond to those concerned about the medical treatment for gender-questioning youths, Strangio firmly insisted that there is ample supporting data. He claimed that even kids as young as 10 or even younger are in dire need of "relief" from the suffering they endure. Strangio emphasized that these are not doctors being forced to provide the medication; rather, they are doctors who want to treat their patients in the best way based on the available evidence.Even toddlers, according to Strangio, are capable of being aware of their gender identities. However, it is important to note that minors cannot legally consent to medical procedures. Strangio acknowledged this protection while also trying to balance it with the rights of parents. He said, "And these are young people who may have known since they were two years old exactly who they are, who suffered for six or seven years before they had any relief."In cases where children do go through with gender reassignment surgery, Strangio made it clear that the decision ultimately lies with parents. He stated, "It’s not the kids who are consenting to this treatment. It’s the parents who are consenting to the treatment." Strangio further warned that if the Supreme Court sides with Tennessee, it could set a dangerous precedent that could lead to bans on transgender treatments for adults. He said, "And as a parent, I would say when our children are suffering, we are suffering."US v. Skrmetti will be the first time the high court considers restrictions on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgery for minors. Strangio asserts that if Tennessee's ban is allowed to stand, it will have far-reaching consequences. He said, "I think that‘s one of the things we should be really concerned about. We‘re hearing a lot about young people can‘t consent to this care, but it is their parents consenting to this care. And at the end of the day, we have adults who live as transgender people, people like myself, who have families who are part of communities, who are part of this society. And if the incoming administration bans our health care, that is essentially excising us from this country."The Volunteer State is one of more than 20 US states that have moved to restrict access to gender transition medical treatments for minors. This ongoing battle highlights the need for a more comprehensive and nuanced discussion about the rights and well-being of transgender individuals at all ages.