The Campaign for Southern Equality has released a report detailing the challenges faced by families of transgender youth in accessing gender-affirming care in the South. Due to anti-trans legislation passed in the last two years, families now have to travel long distances and spend a significant amount of money to reach out-of-state providers. This is largely due to bans on care such as puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and surgeries for transgender youth in two dozen states, primarily in the South. The report estimates that families in Houston, Texas, for example, must drive over 1,200 miles round trip to seek care at a clinic.
Researchers found that travel times to clinics have more than doubled since the bans on care were passed, making it even more challenging for families, especially those in rural areas or further south. Families often have to weigh multiple travel costs, including gas, hotels, meals, flights, and child care, as well as take time off of work in order to seek care for their children. In some cases, families may have to change their plans on short notice if laws change in the state they are traveling to for care. The cost of these trips can add up quickly, reaching into the thousands each year, especially since gender-affirming care is not a one-time event and requires routine follow-up appointments every few months.
Transgender youth and their families in the South also often face a hostile environment created by Republican officials, including targeted legislation aimed at transgender youths’ participation in school sports and bathroom usage. Some states have even passed bills that erase transgender identity altogether in the law. This adds an extra layer of stress and fear for families already struggling to access necessary care for their children. The report highlights the emotional toll that these barriers can have on transgender youth, with one parent recounting their child’s feelings of humiliation and fear during a recent trip for care.
In response to these challenges, organizations like the Campaign for Southern Equality provide grants to help families of transgender youth with travel and finding doctors. In some cases, families may choose to seek care in states where they have relatives or friends, or they may turn to telemedicine options to connect with providers licensed in other states. However, the overall impact of the legislation on transgender youth and their families is significant, with many facing increased travel times, financial burdens, and a hostile environment that can make accessing care even more difficult. The report underscores the need for continued advocacy and support for transgender youth and their families in the South.
