Oklahoma’s SB613 restricts transition-related healthcare in Oklahoma for Two Spirit, transgender, and gender nonconforming (2STGNC+) people under the age of 18; this means that care such as gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers will be inaccessible in Oklahoma for trans people until they turn 18. The law has a six-month “tapering off” period (through October 2023) for transgender youth currently receiving gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers or hormone therapy.
NOTE: On May 18, the ACLU of Oklahoma, the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, and the law firm Jenner & Block LLP filed a binding agreement with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office not to enforce SB 613 pending resolution of plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction in their challenge to the law. With the non-enforcement agreement, transgender adolescents should be able to continue access to gender-affirming care. Originally, SB613, which had an “emergency” provision attached to it, took effect immediately, on Monday, May 1.
We also know that it’s critical for families to take steps to prepare.
That’s why community and advocacy organizations came together for an Oklahoma Community Town Hall, a virtual event focused on helping families navigate access to the gender-affirming care they need while feeling supported and uplifted by their communities. This event, held Tuesday, May 9th from 6:00-7:30pm CT, was hosted by Freedom Oklahoma, the ACLU of Oklahoma, and the Campaign for Southern Equality.
At the event, we discussed resources available, including patient navigation support, referrals to out-of-state gender-affirming care, and emergency grants for families of transgender youth. Additionally, community partners shared about the resources available through their organizations. And there was plenty of time for questions. Watch a recording of the event below:
Need immediate support? If you need help finding out-of-state providers of gender-affirming care or funding for travel, mental health expenses, or whatever you need, please get in touch here.
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