NASHVILLE – Parents can still seek gender-affirming health care for their children outside of Tennessee, despite legislation headed for the governor’s desk aimed at creating confusion and fear for these families.
The Tennessee legislature approved HB2310 Thursday, which amends the 2023 ban on gender-affirming care for minors by adding civil penalties for adults who help minors travel out of state without the parents’ permission. Critically, the law does not apply to parents, guardians, adults designated with permission by a parent or legal guardian, or common carriers (such as airlines, bus companies, or ride share app drivers).
“OUTMemphis has provided navigation assistance for families seeking gender-affirming care for youth since the ban on care for minors passed last year,” said Molly Quinn, executive director of OUTMemphis. “Above all, we want these families to know help is available, and that you don’t have to fear leaving the state to get your child the care that they need.”
OUTMemphis also provides social services, including mental health resources, for youth in Shelby County.
Since 2023, transgender youth in Tennessee have lived in confusion and fear over legislation attacking banning gender-affirming care like puberty blockers and hormone therapy. That care has been approved by countless medical organizations but came under attack by extremists over the last year in many states.
“It’s obvious that the Tennessee legislature is trying to intimidate families of transgender youth – piling additional fear onto the mountain of financial and logistical burdens that parents are grappling with in the face of the existing healthcare ban in Tennessee,” said Adam Polaski, Communications & Political Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality. “But we want to be clear: This development does not block parents from traveling with their child out of state to access the healthcare they need and deserve.”
If Gov. Lee signs HB2310, it would take effect on July 1, 2024. Campaign for Southern Equality and OUTMemphis join supporters of transgender equality across the state of Tennessee in urging Governor Lee to veto this bill.
Families who need support or information can reach out to OUTMemphis and the Campaign for Southern Equality. To connect:
- Visit OUTMemphis’ website to get connected to local resources and speak with our case managers.
- Fill out this form on the Campaign for Southern Equality’s Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project website and we will get in touch to help answer your questions about the gender-affirming care ban.