Right now Tennesseans are grappling with the implementation of HB1/SB1, legislation that prohibits transgender-related healthcare in Tennessee for people under the age of 18. This law makes care such as gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers inaccessible in Tennessee for any trans person until they turn 18. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
HB1/SB1 is currently in effect and trans youth in Tennessee are forced to seek care out of state. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled on July 8, 2023 to allow the law to take effect. According to the law, patients under the age of 18 who are already receiving gender-affirming care can continue to do so until March 31, 2024. However, many doctors providing gender-affirming care for adolescents in the state of Tennessee discontinued care on July 1, 2023. Patients who currently receive gender-affirming care from these providers will not be able to receive care after July 1, 2023, and should access other options for gender-affirming care.
The Campaign for Southern Equality is working with partners across Tennessee, including Inclusion Tennessee and OUT Memphis, to provide resources and information to impacted families. Please use this form below to request more information.
Resource Guide to Prepare for HB1/SB1
We know this is a very challenging time filled with many questions. This resource guide is designed to provide up-to-date information and concrete resources to help transgender youth continue accessing healthcare. We will update this guide as more information and resources become available.
Tennessee Community Town Halls for Families of Trans Youth
In May of 2023, community and advocacy organizations joined together for the first Tennessee 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. You can watch a recording of the event here. The event was hosted by inclusion tennessee, Campaign for Southern Equality, Just Us at The Oasis Center, GLSEN Tennessee, Knox Pride, OUTMemphis, and Tri Cities Pride Community Center.
Following the implementation of the gender-affirming care ban, a second Tennessee Community Town Hall was held to discuss the court ruling, resources available, including patient navigation support, referrals to out-of-state gender-affirming care, and emergency grants for families of transgender youth. You can watch a recording of the event here. The event was hosted by inclusion tennessee, Campaign for Southern Equality, ACLU of Tennessee, TN Equality Project, OUTMemphis, and Tri Cities Pride Community Center.
Emergency Grants for Impacted Families
The Campaign for Southern Equality, Inclusion Tennessee, and OUT Memphis are facilitating rapid response emergency grants of $500 to help parents and caregivers to youth directly impacted by HB1/SB1 during this challenging time. Grants can be made to the parent/caregiver of an impacted youth. To learn more about these grants and to request one, fill out the form below.
Send a Message About These Resources
This form is intended for transgender individuals (especially those under the age of 18) and their parents/caretakers who would be impacted by the passage of HB1/SB1 in Tennessee, which prohibits transgender-related healthcare in Tennessee for people under the age of 18. After filling out this form, a representative of Campaign for Southern Equality will reach out to you via email or phone and begin assisting you.
