Since 2021, Arkansans have grappled with policies that prohibit best-practice medical care for transgender youth. While the law (Act 626) is not in effect because of a court order, its passage (and the 2023 passage of SB199, which allows anyone who received gender-affirming healthcare as a minor to file a malpractice lawsuit against their doctor for up to 15 years after they turn 18), have made hormone therapy, surgery, and puberty-delaying medication for trans youth under 18 difficult to access in the state. Many providers are not accepting new patients while litigation moves through the courts.
Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law. Youth and their families may also travel to access care in other states where gender-affirming care has not been restricted.
The Campaign for Southern Equality and inTRANSitive are working with partners across Arkansas to provide resources and information to impacted families. Click here to learn more about the Trans Youth Emergency Project.
Partner Organizations
Resource Guide for Those Impacted by the Gender Affirming Care Ban in Arkansas
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.
Digital Toolkit to Spread the Word
It is critical that we get the word out to families and young people about resources that are available, including renewable travel grants and support identifying in-state and out-of-state care. Thank you for helping to share information with your networks. Please use these templates to share information with your email lists, social media networks, and in-person community spaces.
Travel Grants & Patient Navigation for Impacted Families
The Trans Youth Emergency Project offers custom 1-on-1 conversations with the families of transgender youth impacted by the anti-transgender healthcare law in Arkansas – as well as renewable travel grants of $500. 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. After filling out this form, a representative from the Trans Youth Emergency Project will reach out to you via email to begin assisting you.
Donate to Support Trans Youth in AR
Your gift to the Trans Youth Emergency Project helps families of transgender youth in states across the country, including AR, navigate cruel bans on gender-affirming care. Every donation directly helps families through this crisis.
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