Navigate This Page:
➡️ Donate
➡️ How We Support
➡️ Spread the Word
➡️ Send a Message of Support
➡️ Legal Landscape
➡️ Get Support in Your State
➡️ Partner Organizations
➡️ Contact STYEP
Health care is a human right and everyone should be able to access the healthcare that they need in their hometown. But right now, lawmakers all across the South are passing extreme legislation banning best-practice medical care for transgender youth. As a result, 90% of transgender youth in the South now live in a state where a ban on gender affirming care has passed.
This barrage of cruel legislation is causing great distress for transgender youth and their families as they make plans for how to ensure youth can access health care. For some, this means traveling hundreds of miles several times a year; others are considering moving. Bottom line, families are doing everything they can to protect their children and make sure they have the care and support they need and deserve to thrive.
In response, the Campaign for Southern Equality has launched the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project (STYEP), a new regional effort which 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.
Donate to Support Trans Youth in the South
Bans on lifesaving healthcare for transgender youth are passing all across the South right now. Give now to support trans youth.
DonateWe Support Families in 4 Main Ways:
Patient Navigation
We help families understand their options for continuing care in other Southern states or states contiguous to the South, including referrals to medical providers in the regional network CSE has worked to coordinate.
Emergency Grants
Families of trans youth can receive grants of $500 to support immediate needs, including travel expenses, medication costs, and mental health or wellness needs.
Frontline Grants
State and local organizations working directly with youth and their families are partnering closely with the CSE team, and we provide direct funding to help fuel their frontline work supporting trans youth.
Ecosystem of Care
We collaborate with providers and organizations to create an ecosystem of care and support through Town Halls, Resilience Workshops, referrals to mental health care and more.
Spread the Word
Send a Message of Support:
We know that the love and support that exists for trans kids across the South is stronger than these dangerous laws. That’s why we’re collecting messages of hope and support for transgender kids and their families across the South. Click here to send a message, and we’ll get them to trans youth impacted by these cruel bans.
Landscape: Access to Best-Practice Medical Care for Transgender Youth
Key: Ban in Effect • Some Parts of Ban on Hold by Court Order, Other Restrictions in Effect • Ban Set to Take Effect • Ban Under Consideration • Restriction on Hold by Court Order • No Ban
Get Support in Your State:
We believe that these anti-transgender healthcare laws are flatly unconstitutional – and we hope to see them struck down in court as quickly as possible. But we remain clear-eyed that some of these bills have taken effect and, in some states, even the threat of the bills passing has caused a chilling effect on providers’ readiness to accept new patients. There is no doubt that accessing this care is time and resource intensive, but parents of transgender children will do everything in their power to do what’s best for their children. And supporters of trans equality must be there to support every step of the way. As we expand STYEP across the South, this list will continue to be updated. If you don’t see your state listed, click here.
Alabama
Alabama families are grappling with SB184 (currently in effect), legislation that prohibits best-practice medical care for transgender youth under the age of 19 in Alabama. Under this law, transition-related surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers are inaccessible in Alabama for trans people until they turn 19. Prescriptions for gender-affirming medication can still be filled in Alabama, as the law does not govern pharmacies. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
Families of transgender youth in Alabama can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Alabama, we are proud to partner with Magic City Acceptance Center and Prism United.
Arkansas
Since 2021, Arkansans have grappled with policies that prohibit best-practice medical care for transgender youth– and while the law (Act 626) is not in effect because of a court order, its passage, and the passage of SB199, which allows anyone who received transition-related 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 blockers 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.
Families of transgender youth in Arkansas can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Arkansas, we are proud to partner with inTransitive.
Florida
In Florida, SB254 (not currently in effect for youth), banned best-practice medical care for transgender youth under the age of 18 and also impacted access to best-practice healthcare for transgender adults. Youth and adults can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
On June 21, a federal judge ruled that the sections of SB254 blocking healthcare for transgender youth are unconstitutional, and many providers have resumed care for trans youth. Restrictions on care for transgender adults are still being challenged in court, and the restriction requiring that only doctors, not nurse practitioners, can prescribe hormone therapy to transgender adults, remains in effect.
Families of trans youth whose access to best-practice care has been impacted by SB254 can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Florida, we are proud to partner with Equality Florida and Southern Legal Counsel.
Georgia
SB140 (currently in effect), passed in March 2023, is a law that prohibits hormone therapy and surgery for transgender people under the age of 18. The law is currently in effect. Youth already receiving hormone therapy will be able to remain in care. The law does not prohibit puberty blockers for trans youth under the age of 18. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
Families of transgender youth in Georgia can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Georgia, we are proud to partner with Georgia Equality.
Louisiana
HB648 (currently in effect) is a law that prohibits best-practice medical care in Louisiana for transgender people under the age of 18; including surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers. The law permitted a “tapering off period” for trans youth who have begun treatment prior to January 1, 2024, during which their treatment is supposed to be reduced and discontinued. This period ended on December 31, 2024. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
Families of transgender youth in Louisiana can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Louisiana, we are proud to partner with Louisiana Trans Advocates and The Reproductive Justice Action Collective.
Kentucky
SB150 (currently in effect), passed in March 2023 following the legislature’s override of the Kentucky Governor’s veto, is a sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ bill – with several components that are especially dangerous when it comes to transgender youth accessing best-practice medical care. Under this law, transition-related surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers are inaccessible in Kentucky for trans people until they turn 18. The ban took effect on July 14, 2023 as litigation proceeds. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
Families of transgender youth in Kentucky can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Kentucky, we are proud to partner with the Kentucky Health Justice Network.
Mississippi
HB1125 (currently in effect) is a law that prohibits best-practice medical care for transgender youth in Mississippi. Under this law, transition-related surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers are inaccessible in Mississippi for trans people until they turn 18. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
Families of transgender youth in Mississippi can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Mississippi, we are proud to partner with The TRANS Program, Mississippi Rising, the Immigrant Alliance for Justice & Equality, and more.
Missouri
Missouri’s SB49 (currently in effect), is a law that restricts best-practice healthcare for trans youth under the age of 18. Under this law, surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers are inaccessible in Missouri for trans youth until they turn 18. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
The law also prohibits Missouri’s Medicaid program MO HealthNet from reimbursing the cost of best-practice medical care for transgender youth and adults, including surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers. Additionally, incarcerated Missourians of any age will be unable to receive transition-related surgeries while in state custody, according to the legislation.
Families of transgender youth in Missouri can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Missouri, we are proud to partner with PROMO Missouri, The GLO Center, and TransParent USA.
North Carolina
On August 16, 2023 the North Carolina General Assembly overrode Gov. Cooper’s veto of HB808 (currently in effect), prohibiting the initiation best-practice medical care for transgender youth under the age of 18, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgery. This bill does not restrict care that is already initiated – youth that have started a course of treatment before August 1, 2023 will be able to continue receiving treatment. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
Families in North Carolina can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In North Carolina, we are proud to partner with Equality NC.
Ohio
Ohio’s HB68 was enjoined on April 16, blocking it from going into effect. The law is not currently in effect. If it goes into effect, the law will ban the initiation of best-practice medical care for transgender youth for people under the age of 18, including puberty blockers, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and surgery. The bill provides an exception for youth under the age of 18 who have been residents of Ohio since the date the bill goes into effect and started receiving gender-affirming care (including hormone replacement therapy and puberty-delaying medication) in Ohio prior to the date the bill goes into effect. These youth can continue to receive hormone replacement therapy and puberty-delaying medication from a provider in Ohio. Please note that this exception excludes youth who may have been receiving gender-affirming care in Ohio prior to the date the bill goes into effect, but who are not residents of Ohio.
Families living in Ohio, or who access gender-affirming care in Ohio, can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Ohio, we are proud to partner with Equality Ohio, Trans Ohio, and Kaleidoscope Youth Center.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s SB613 (currently in effect) is a law that restricts best-practice medical care for transgender people under the age of 18. Under this law, care such as hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and surgery will be inaccessible in Oklahoma for trans people until they turn 18. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
Families in Oklahoma can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Oklahoma, we are proud to partner with Freedom Oklahoma.
Tennessee
HB1/SB1 (currently in effect) is a law that prohibits best-practice medical care for transgender youth in Tennessee. Under this law, transition-related surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers are inaccessible in Tennessee for trans people until they turn 18. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
Families of transgender youth in Tennessee can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Tennessee, we are proud to partner with OUTMemphis and inclusion tennessee.
Texas
SB14 (currently in effect) prevents transgender youth in Texas from accessing best-practice medical care. The law prohibits Texas healthcare professionals from providing medically necessary healthcare in for trans adolescents for the treatment of gender dysphoria – and threaten doctors’ licenses if they do. Under this law, transition-related surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers are inaccessible in Texas for trans people until they turn 18. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
Families of transgender youth in Texas can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In Texas we are proud to partner with Equality Texas and the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT).
West Virginia
HB 2007 (currently in effect) is a law that restricts best practice medical care for transgender youth under the age of 18, banning transition-related surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers for some transgender youth. This restriction excludes youth who are diagnosed with “severe gender dysphoria” by at least two health care providers. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
Families of transgender youth in West Virginia can seek support – including information, patient navigation, and emergency grants, through the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project. In WV, we are proud to partner with Fairness West Virginia.
Live in a Different Southern State But Need Support?
We understand that even in states that have not explicitly banned gender-affirming care, accessing care for youth can be challenging and require hours of travel. If your family is currently traveling long distances to access gender-affirming care, we are here to support with emergency funding and patient navigation about other options that may exist. No matter which Southern state where you live (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV), we’d be honored to help.
Access A Virtual Wellness Toolkit for LGBTQ+ Youth
This digital zine for LGBTQ+ youth in the South and beyond is focused on healing, resilience, and wellness. The toolkit features:
- Centering practice
- Quotes of support
- Links to helpful resources
We hope you check out the toolkit, and share with your people! Be well 🩷
Partners in the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project:
Get to know the incredible partners we are collaborating with across the South to provide direct support to impacted transgender youth and their families.
Contact the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project:
If you are seeking patient navigation services or an emergency grant from the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project (STYEP), please click here and select your state, and fill out the form on your state’s page. If you have a different question about STYEP – or if you don’t see your state listed on the page but need support – fill out the form below.