Right now Tennesseans are grappling with the passage of HB1/SB1, legislation that would prohibit transgender-related healthcare in Tennessee for people under the age of 18; this means that care such as gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers would be 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, in TN.
HB1/SB1 is set to take effect on July 1, 2023. 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, the provision in the law for those currently receiving gender-affirming care to continue receiving this care through March of 2024 intends for adolescents currently in care to de-transition during the July 1 2023 – March 2024 period. For this reason, many doctors currently providing gender-affirming care for adolescents in the state of Tennessee will be discontinuing 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 begin looking at out-of-state options for gender-affirming care. It should be noted that legal partners at the ACLU of TN have announced plans to challenge the law, which could block its implementation.
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 Hall for Families of Trans Youth
Community and advocacy organizations joined together for a 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.
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.
