SB613 is a law that restricts transition-related healthcare in Oklahoma for Two Spirit, transgender, and gender nonconforming (2STGNC+) people under the age of 18; under this law, care such as gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers will be inaccessible in Oklahoma for trans people until they turn 18.
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.
Families should speak with their provider about their options in the months ahead. In the meantime, help is available from the Campaign for Southern Equality and Freedom Oklahoma.
The Campaign for Southern Equality is working with partners across Oklahoma, including Freedom Oklahoma, to provide resources and information to impacted families. Please use this form below to request more information, and we will be in touch.
Resource Guide to Prepare for SB613
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.
Oklahoma Community Town Hall for Families of Trans Youth
Community and advocacy organizations joined together for an Oklahoma Community Town Hall on SB613, 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 Freedom Oklahoma, the ACLU of Oklahoma, and Campaign for Southern Equality.
Patient Navigation Support for Out-of-State Care
Looking to identify a provider of gender-affirming care outside of Oklahoma? The Campaign for Southern Equality and Freedom Oklahoma can help talk you through your situation, identify affirming providers in other states, and support in other ways. To get in touch, fill out the intake form below.
Emergency Grants for Impacted Families
The Campaign for Southern Equality, in partnership with Freedom Oklahoma, is facilitating rapid response emergency grants of $500 to help those impacted by SB613 during this challenging time. Grants can be made to the parent/caregiver of an impacted youth. Note that these grants are still being processed even as the non-enforcement agreement (see above) remains in effect.
To learn more about these grants and to request one, fill out the form below.
Learn More About the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Fund
The Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project (STYEP) is a new regional effort from the Campaign for Southern Equality that provides rapid response support directly to the families of youth who are impacted by anti-transgender healthcare bans in the South. Through STYEP, and in close partnership with state and local organizations, we are providing grants, patient navigation support, and accurate information to impacted families to ensure that youth can access the care they need and deserve, even in the face of oppressive laws. We have developed a regional referral network of providers in access states and are helping as many families as we can through this time of crisis.
