The 88^th Texas Legislature has been a dysfunctional mess, and children have been used as pawns for political gain, something we find reprehensible. Additionally, the testimony of hundreds of Texans has been blocked in favor of listening to out-of-state special interest groups who spread disinformation from state to state about the LGBTQIA+ community as a grift. 

Politicians are taking away the parent’s right to make healthcare choices for their children and instead should be focused on real threats to the safety of children where the government should play a role, such as the epidemic of gun violence in Texas and our country.  

The signing of Senate Bill 14 to become law confirms that a majority of Texas lawmakers do not trust physicians and healthcare professionals to use their medical expertise to provide best practice healthcare for trans youth in our state, and that transgender and gender non-binary people are not valued or welcome in Texas. 

To our trans youth, their parents, families and all LGBTQIA+ people and allies who are angry and scared, our pursuit for health justice is far from over. Texas Health Action stands with major medical associations for the right of trans people to receive age-appropriate, medically necessary, lifesaving care. High-quality medical care that­­­­­ affirms a person’s gender leads to better health outcomes and treats people, like people.  

If you are a patient under 18 or a parent/legal guardian of someone that received care that will now be banned by Texas, we will have more specific information for you in the coming month. The law does not take effect until September 1, 2023. 

If you or a loved one are in emotional distress, or just want someone to talk to and connect with, there are many support resources available to you including The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386; The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564; the GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743; and Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860.  

Texas Health Action believes that all Texans deserve access to healthcare and gender affirming care is healthcare, regardless of a person’s age. We will continue to advocate for health justice and provide access to culturally affirming quality health services in a safe and supportive environment with an expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ people and people impacted by HIV. 

For more information about our healthcare services for trans Texans, including gender care, please visit our website at https://kindclinic.org/gender-care-services/ or give us a call at 1-833-WE-R-KIND. (1-833-937-5463). 

Photo Credit: Gabriel C. Pérez/KUT