2023 Legislative Attack on Transgender Health Care in the Southern United States

In the first several weeks of 2023, the southern United States is seeing a major legislative attack on transgender health care. In Tennessee alone, several proposed laws would make it nearly impossible for transgender people to access the health care they need. This is a direct attack on the LGBTQIA+ community, and everyone needs to be aware of what is happening and how they can help.

Tennessee's Proposed Laws

Several proposed laws in Tennessee would have a major impact on transgender health care. If these laws are passed, transgender people will be denied basic health care and therapy. Here are some of the proposed laws:

-A bill that would allow doctors to refuse to treat patients based on religious beliefs. This would mean that transgender people could be denied basic medical care simply because of who they are.

-A bill that would prohibit the state from funding any organization that provides transgender health care, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery. This would make it very difficult for transgender people to access the health care they need.

-A bill that would require schools to out trans students to their parents without their consent. This would put trans students at risk of being rejected by their families or facing other dangers.

-A bill that would make it a felony to provide hormones or gender-affirming care to minors. This would prevent transgender youth from getting the care they need and could lead to more suicides.

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In addition to these proposed above, Tennessee is also considering a law that opens the door for further discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people in housing, employment, and public accommodations. You can learn more on Movement Advancement Project's website. These attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community are not isolated to Tennessee; similar attacks are happening in other southern states as well.

Tennessee's proposed laws are an explicit affront to the LGBTQIA+ community and will impede transgender individuals from receiving vital healthcare. Everyone needs to be aware of what is happening and how they can help. There are several ways you can help stand up against this oppression:

-Educate yourself and others about what is happening

-Donate to or volunteer with organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community

-Attend protests or rallies

-Write letters or make phone calls to your elected officials

-Spread awareness on social media

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Everyone has a role to play in standing up against this oppression. Together, we can make sure that transgender people have the same rights and protections as everyone else. Comment to show your loving support.