On June 16, in a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law that prohibits gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers and hormones, for trans youth under 18. The ruling enables Tennessee to enforce this law, and by deciding the law is constitutional the court effectively made it more difficult to challenge similar laws in the 27 other states where such laws are currently in effect.

IntraSpectrum Counseling supports healthcare equality for transgender youth and we find this SCOTUS ruling to be unconscionable. We believe that this healthcare ban is rooted in political rhetoric and bigotry and that it comes at the expense of youth who are in need of these services, and their families.

• It is a dangerous setback for human rights
• It has significant implications for the well-being of transgender youth
• It is inconsistent with the position of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, that both support gender-affirming care for transgender youth
• It allows polititians to rule on medical decisions best left to medical professionals and families
• It will uproot families and create financial handship, because parents will continue to do what’s necessary to support the needs of their kids

These initiatives continue to be triggering to many and during these times, we pledge to remain a beacon of hope. For anyone needing affirming and validating support, we encourage you to reach out to us or to another trusted source in your community.