Definitions:
In this article, transgender is used as an umbrella term to describe youth whose gender identity or gender expression does not conform to those typically associated with the gender they were told they were at birth. Oftentimes, the term trans is used interchangeably with the term transgender. The term gender-diverse has emerged as an umbrella term for youth who identify beyond the gender binary, meaning outside of the socially expected “male” and “female” genders; youth who are gender-diverse may identify as “non-male” and/or “non-female.”
In 2023, American conservative political commentator, Michael Knowles, called for the “eradication of transgenderism.” Today, state legislators across the country are constructing an agenda around this argument by introducing a record-breaking number of bills aimed at restricting access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Defined by the “American Medical Association” (AMA) as “medically-necessary, evidence-based care that improves the physical and mental health of transgender and gender-diverse people.” Gender-affirming care encompasses a range of services necessary for the well-being of transgender youth experiencing gender dysphoria. With access to gender-affirming care, transgender youth have lower suicide rates and improved health outcomes. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2023, we have witnessed a rise in state legislation that would prohibit these life-saving services.