OutCenter Condemns SOCTUS TN Trans Youth Health Care Ban
On June 18th, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in U.S. v. Skrmetti and determined that a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for people under 18 does not violate the Equal Protection Clause. While this does not affect access to gender affirming care in states like Michigan without bans, this allows bans to continue in other states where they are in effect.
Alongside the majority of experts, OutCenter stands with trans and gender expansive people and supports their healthcare needs. OutCenter strongly condemns the Supreme Court decision, which is a judicial retreat for the sake of partisan ends rather than evidence-based medical care. “This ruling contradicts the vast scientific consensus and literature that supports gender-affirming care, and this shameful decision abandons vulnerable young people,” said MaryJo Schnell, Executive Director of OutCenter. Schnell added, “This decision also paves the way for health care restrictions for others.”
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ban will have profoundly negative implications for trans youth and their families. Research shows that trans young people experience alarmingly high rates of depression, thoughts of self-harm, bullying, and discrimination because of how they are treated. Their parents or guardians are forced into impossible and life-changing situations, as some decide to move to safer states (such as Michigan) to ensure their children can receive the healthcare they need and deserve.
Rather than persecuting political scapegoats, OutCenter advocates for approaches that actually support and protect trans youth, rather than snatch away their access to needed healthcare. Medical decisions should remain between patients, supportive families, and healthcare providers, following established standards of care developed by medical professionals — and not careerist politicians. We support increased funding for mental health services specifically designed to support LGBTQ+ youth and their families, comprehensive federal and state protections against discrimination in healthcare, education, housing, and public accommodations, and expanded education programs for healthcare providers, educators, and community members about the needs of transgender youth and the importance of supportive environments.
OutCenter calls on our community to join us in advocating for transgender rights by contacting state and federal representatives to express opposition to anti-transgender legislation, and support for protecting and cementing comprehensive non-discrimination protections. Further, we invite everyone to donate to and volunteer with OutCenter Southwest Michigan. We stand with you while we work in partnership with Equality Michigan, and the ACLU of Michigan to keep you informed of important developments, and to share news from our local community with these same partners to leverage in guidance and resources from across the State of Michigan.