Tennessee Anti Gender-affirming Care Bill
On Thursday 2nd March Bill Lee signed a law that prohibits gender affirming care.
At the end of 2022 it was announced that Tennessee wanted to introduce this Bill. It has now been confirmed and will be in effect from July 1st.
What is gender-affirming care?
‘This bill would prohibit medical providers from prescribing puberty blockers, which delay puberty to allow children who are transgender or grappling with their gender to determine their gender identity. This will also prohibit hormones and surgery.’ (CNN – 2023)
Senate Bill 0001 prevents ‘from performing on a minor or administrating to a minor a medical procedure if the performance or administration of the procedure is for the purpose of enabling a minor to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with the minor’s sex’
The American Medical Association and other leading professional groups have strongly opposed restrictions on these bills being passed.
On the same day another bill was also passed to reduce drag show performances in the state.
Furthermore, The Oklahoma House passed a bill that would effectively ban gender-affirming care for both minors and adults.
Arkansas lawmakers advanced a bill that would make it illegal for a trans person to use a public restroom at the same time as a minor.
A statement has been released from the ACLU “we will not allow this dangerous law to stand (…) we are dedicated to overturning this unconstitutional law and are confident the state will find itself completely incapable of defending it in court. We want transgender youth to know they are not alone and this fight is not over” (CNN 2023)
There are many charities and campaigns that have dedicated pages and services and I have linked a few below.
GLADD – Focuses on working with media such as news and social media to share stories from the LGBTQ+ community. ‘GLADD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love’ (GLADD.org)
https://www.glaad.org/about
Norwich Pride – Pride is run by a community of volunteers to help celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Not only do they organise the Norwich Pride Parade every year but offers support and resources to anyone who may need it.
https://norwichpride.org.uk/about/
Action4TransHealth – Is the UK’s largest campaign for democratic health care and raises awareness about the lack of quality health care and research there is. You can easily find them on social media.
https://actionfortranshealth.org.uk/