Standing Strong Against SB 8: Kind Clinic Remains a Safe, Affirming Space
At Kind Clinic, our mission has always been to provide stigma-free, affirming healthcare for all Texans. With the recent signing of SB 8 into law, we know many in our community are feeling fear, frustration, and uncertainty.While SB 8 does not apply to Kind Clinic or Waterloo Counseling Center, we cannot ignore the harmful ripple effects this law will create for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary Texans, and the broader LGBTQIA+ community.
What SB 8 Does—and Why It Matters
SB 8 requires restroom access in government-owned buildings, public schools, and universities to be based on sex assigned at birth. This discriminatory measure opens the door to harassment, stigma, and misinformation.
The law will take effect on December 4, 2025, and while its penalties apply only to state agencies and political subdivisions—not individuals—its chilling effect is already being felt. Transgender and gender-diverse people face increased risks of being harassed or falsely accused of using the “wrong” restroom. These hostile environments discourage people from seeking care or accessing the resources they need.
Our Commitment to You
At Kind Clinic, nothing changes. We remain a place of dignity, respect, and healing. Our clinics will continue to be safe, inclusive, and affirming for all patients, staff, and visitors.
We know affirming healthcare is essential—not just for individual well-being but for HIV prevention, treatment, sexual health, and mental health. We stand with our patients and our community, and we will never stop advocating for policies that protect and uplift LGBTQIA+ Texans.
FAQs:
When does SB 8 take effect?
SB 8 will take effect on December 4, 2025. Although the bill has been signed into law, its provisions will not be enforced until that date.
Does SB 8 apply to Kind Clinic or Waterloo Counseling Center locations?
No. SB 8 does not apply to Kind Clinic or Waterloo Counseling Center facilities. Our clinics remain affirming, inclusive and safe for transgender and nonbinary patients, staff and visitors.
What facilities are covered under SB 8?
SB 8 applies to bathroom use in government-owned buildings, public schools and universities, requiring access based on sex assigned at birth. It does not extend to private healthcare providers like Kind Clinic or Waterloo Counseling Center.
How might SB 8 still impact transgender and nonbinary Texans?
Even though Kind Clinic locations are not directly covered, SB 8 contributes to stigma, misinformation, and confusion that may deter transgender and nonbinary people from seeking care in other healthcare settings. It also increases the risk of harassment in public spaces for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people who may be falsely accused of using the “wrong” restroom. The penalities of the law apply to state agencies and political subdivisions, not to individuals.
Will SB 8 affect Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or other community health providers?
The bill does not explicitly include Federally Qualified Health Centers. However, the unclear language and the stigmatizing rhetoric surrounding SB 8 could cause confusion or hesitation amongst providers.
How is Kind Clinic responding to SB 8?
Kind Clinic will continue to provide affirming, stigma-free care for transgender and gender-diverse Texans. We are committed to advocating for inclusive healthcare policies and offering resources and guidance to patients who may feel unsafe or unsure about their rights and access to care.
We encourage people who are impacted by this law to also seek support from trusted resources such as:
Trans Lifeline: https://translifeline.org/
988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
