Resource Document sourced from Campaign for Southern Equality.
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TENNESSEE: A RESOURCE GUIDE TO PREPARE FOR IMPLEMENTATION ANTI-TRANSGENDER HB1/SB1
This guide will be updated as new information & resources are available.
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We know this is a very challenging time filled with many questions. This resource guide is designed to provide up-to-date information and concrete resources to help transgender youth continue accessing healthcare. We will update this guide as more information and resources become available.
What does HB1/SB1 say?
On March 2, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed into law HB1/SB1, legislation that prohibits gender-affirming healthcare in Tennessee for people under the age of 18; this means that care such as gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers are inaccessible in Tennessee for any trans person until they turn 18. Youth can still access mental health care, which is not restricted or banned by this law.
This is an evolving area of law and the bill is intentionally vague when it comes to what exactly is prohibited as well as how it is enforced. The bill language does not say that people cannot leave Tennessee and access care in states where it is legal to do so, and a court would likely agree that it is unconstitutional to block people from traveling to other states.
When does HB1/SB1 take effect?
HB1/SB1 is currently in effect and trans youth in Tennessee are forced to seek care out of state. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled on July 8, 2023 to allow the law to take effect. According to the law, patients under the age of 18 who are already receiving gender-affirming care can continue to do so until March 31, 2024. However, many doctors providing gender-affirming care for adolescents in the state of Tennessee discontinued care on July 1, 2023. Patients who currently receive gender-affirming care from these providers will not be able to receive care after July 1, 2023, and should access other options for gender-affirming care.
Timeline of Litigation Challenging HB1/SB1 in Court
- On April 20th, 2023, the ACLU, Lambda Legal, the ACLU of TN, and private counsel filed a lawsuit on behalf of courageous families and young people stating that HB1/SB1 unlawfully discriminates against transgender people based on their sex. Read more about the case here.
- On April 26, 2023 the United States Department of Justice announced that it is challenging HB1/SB1 in Tennessee. According to the Justice Department, HB1/SB1 violates the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, as it “denies necessary medical care to youth based solely on who they are.” The Justice Department also asked the court to issue an immediate order preventing HB1/SB1 from going into effect on July 1. You can read the Justice Department’s full statement here.
- On June 28, 2023, HB1/SB1 was blocked from taking effect by a federal judge. However, on July 8, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a ruling allowing the ban on gender-affirming care in Tennessee to take effect. This decision is preliminary – the panel of judges indicated that a full ruling on the injunction would come before September 30 – but for now, trans youth cannot access gender-affirming care in the state. See below for how to get help.
Here are immediate steps impacted communities can take:
- Access patient navigation to out-of-state gender-affirming care and $500 emergency response grants for parents and families of transgender youth using the links below.
- View a list of trans-affirming providers in Southern states, the Trans in the South Guide, at www.transinthesouth.org.
Patient Navigation to Out-of-State Gender-Affirming Care
- Looking to identify a provider of gender-affirming care outside of Tennessee? For assistance navigating gender-affirming care out-of-state, please fill out this form at www.southernequality.org/TNresources, and we’ll talk you through your situation, identify affirming providers, and support in other ways.
Emergency Resources
- Rapid Response Grants: The Campaign for Southern Equality, in partnership with inclusion tennessee and OUTMemphis, is facilitating rapid response emergency grants of $500 to help those directly impacted by HB1/SB1 during this challenging time. Grants can be made to the parent, guardian, or caregiver of an impacted youth. To learn more about these grants and to request one, please visit www.southernequality.org/TNResources.
Legal Questions and Needs
- Consider consulting with an individual lawyer about your specific needs and questions.
- To discuss the possibility of challenging anti-transgender bills or other legal needs, contact the ACLU of Tennessee through their online intake form, found at: https://www.aclu-tn.org/legal-assistance/.
- For other inquiries related to transgender justice or information about ACLU of Tennessee’s TRANScend Tennessee program, email transcendtn@aclu-tn.org.
Videos: Town Halls About SB1/SB1
In May 2023, community and advocacy organizations joined together for a Tennessee Community Town Hall, a virtual event focused on helping families navigate access to the gender-affirming care they need while feeling supported and uplifted by their communities. You can watch a recording of the event here.
A follow-up event was hosted in July 2023 in the wake of SB1 taking effect. Families learned more about pending litigation and how to access care out of state. Watch a recording of the Town Hall here.
Support Groups for Parents of Transgender Youth
Facebook:
Parents and Families of Transgender Youth Support Group
East TN-focused, but all are welcome
Message Carrie Joy Wadman to be admitted to the group
Facebook: Carrie Joy Wadman
Email: carriejoywadman@gmail.com
Phone: 813-541-0145
Serendipity Doo Dah-Home of the Mama Bears
National Facebook group for mothers of LGBTQ+ Kids
36,000+ members
Mama Bears MTK
National Facebook group for Mothers of Trans and Non-binary kids, must be a member of Serendipity Doo Dah-Home of the Mama Bears to join.
Tennessee Mama Bears
Tennessee subgroup for mothers of LGBTQ kids
Mama Bears Friends & Family Group
National Facebook group for friends and family of LGBTQ kids
In-Person:
“Not Alone” Free Support Group for Parents and Siblings of Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Youth
Nashville
Trauma-informed therapy support group that meets biweekly on Thursdays 4:30-6:00 PM Central, childcare available
Contact: Sierra Tuck sierra@opendoorcounselingtn.com (629) 258-8822
We Are Family at OUTMemphis
Memphis
Quarterly meeting for LGBTQ families with children ages 12 and under to connect with other such families
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/178576053377962/
Contact: plewis@outmemphis.org
Video Conference (Zoom):
Free Parent Support Group
Meets bi-weekly on Monday from 6:00-7:30 PM Central
Contact: Gert Comfrey comfrey.counseling2@gmail.com
Free Parent Support Group
Meets weekly on Mondays 7:00-8:30 PM Central
Contact: Salem Horne salem@mindfulnashville.com
Parent Process Group
Meets on the second Thursday of each month from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Central
$50 fee per session with sliding scale available
Contact: Katie Larson katielarsonmft@gmail.com
Parenting with Pride
Meets Wednesdays at 7:00 PM Eastern via Zoom
Contact: JD or Erin at the UT Psychological Clinic (865) 971-2161
$10 per week, with accommodations available
Transgender Youth Mental Healthcare Resources
The Oasis Center Counseling
Nashville, Telehealth
https://oasiscenter.org/for-youth/clinical-counseling
-free counseling for transgender and nonbinary youth
Beyond the Binary Support Groups with Jennifer Strickland
-transgender youth support groups led by a licensed therapist
Website: https://www.jennstricklandcounseling.com/
Contact: jstricklandlpc@gmail.com 615-645-3753
Price: $50 per session, or sliding scale
Location: Donelson (near Nashville) or Telehealth for Tennessee and Kentucky residents
High School Group (9th-12th grade) meets first Thursday of the month 5:30-7:00 PM Central OR second Wednesday of the month 5:30-7:00 PM Central
Middle School Group (5th-8th grade) meets last Thursday of the month 5:30-7:00 PM Central
Gender Expansive Kids Group (age 8-12) meets quarterly
Young Adult Group (age 18-early 20s) meets last Wednesday of the month 5:30-7:00 PM Central
Adult Group (age 20s to 40s) meets third Thursday of the month 5:30-7:00 PM Central
Support Group for LGBTQ Teens
-weekly therapy group for LGBTQIA+ teens age 13-17
-facilitated by UT Psychological Clinic student therapists
Location: Knoxville
Price: $10 per week
Contact: (865) 974-2161
LGBTQ Community Organizations in Tennessee
Connect with these organizations working on the frontlines of supporting LGBTQ individuals in Tennessee:
Youth and Family Support
PFLAG GLSEN TN
Statewide Statewide
pflag.org/find-a-chapter glsen.org/chapter/tennessee
Just Us at The Oasis Center Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN
Nashville Middle TN
https://mentorakid.org/
oasiscenter.org/for-youth
-in-person and online middle school
High school LGBT support groups
PRISM PRYSM at OUTMemphis
Tri-Cities Memphis
https://m.facebook.com/prismteensjc/ https://www.outmemphis.org/youth/
-teen LGBTQ support group, meets in-person -13-17 LGBTQ youth support group, meets
In–person
Wilco Iris
Williamson County
https://wilcoiris.org/
-youth-led organization
General Healthcare Support
CHOICES Friends for Life
Memphis Memphis
Yourchoices.org fflmemphis.org
Vanderbilt Program for LGBTQ Health Nashville CARES Sexual Health Clinic
Nashville Nashville
https://www.vanderbilthealth.com/ nashvillecares.org/
program/program-lgbtq-health
Partnership to End AIDS Status Planned Parenthood of TN and North MS
Memphis Statewide
Partnershiptoendaidsstatus.com https://www.plannedparenthood.org
Housing Support
Nashville Launch Pad The Oasis Center Street Outreach
Nashville Nashville nashvillelaunchpad.com/ https://oasiscenter.org
-serves ages 18-24 -serves ages 18-24
My Sistah’s House The Oasis Center Rapid Rehousing
Memphis Nashville
mshmemphis.org/ https://oasiscenter.org
-serves age 18+ -serves ages 18-24
The Oasis Center Emergency Shelter OUTMemphis The Metamorphosis Project
Nashville Memphis
https://oasiscenter.org https://www.outmemphis.org
-serves ages 13-17 -serves 18-24
Community Organizations
Nooga Diversity Center Equality Jackson
Chattanooga Jackson
facebook.com/Noogadiversitycenter equalityjacksontn.org
Tri Cities Pride Community Center Appalachian OUTreach
Johnson City Maryville
Pridetricities.com appalachianoutreach.org/about-us
OUTMemphis inclusion tennessee
Memphis Statewide
outmemphis.org/ inclusiontn.org
LGBT Chamber Knox Pride
Nashville Knoxville
nashvillelgbtchamber.org/ https://www.knoxpride.com/
Political Organizations
ACLU of Tennessee Tennessee Equality Project
Statewide Statewide
Aclu-tn.org tnep.org/
TN Advocates for Planned Parenthood
Statewide
Plannedparenthoodaction.org
For Youth and Families Who Need Support
We know that legislation like this can cause distress. Here are some helpful resources.
- For immediate medical assistance or law enforcement assistance, call 911.
- If you are thinking about hurting yourself, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now the 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline), OPEN 24/7, 365 DAYS/YEAR.
- Call: 988
- Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Text: 741741
- Chat Online: Click HERE to instant message online.
- If you are a LGBTQ person (ages 13-24) who is thinking about hurting yourself or is in crisis, contact The Trevor Project’s 24-Hour Suicide Prevention Hotline, OPEN 24/7, 365 DAYS/YEAR.
- Call: 866 4 U TREVOR / (866) 488-7386
- Trevor Text: Text 'START' to 678-678
- Trevor Chat: Click HERE to instant message online.
- If you are a transgender person (or friend/family of a transgender person) in crisis or needing support, contact the Trans Lifeline, OPEN 24/7, 365 DAYS/YEAR.
- Call: (877) 565-8860
- Peer to Peer Support: Peer2Peer.LIVE on Twitch
TENNESSEE: UNA GUÍA DE RECURSOS PARA PREPARARSE PARA LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE HB1/SB1 ANTI-TRANSGÉNERO
Esta guía será actualizada conforme sean disponibles nueva información y recursos.
Sabemos que este es un tiempo muy difícil y con muchas preguntas. Esta guía de recursos esta diseñada para proveer información actualizada y recursos concretos para ayudar jovenxs transgénero a obtener aceso a cuidado medico. Actualizaremos esta guía conforme estén disponibles más información y recursos.
Que dice HB1/SB1?
El 2 de marzo, el gobernador de Tennessee Bill Lee convirtio en ley la HB1/SB1, legislación que prohibe atención medica relacionada con ser transgénero en Tennessee para personas menores de 18 años; esto significa que cuidados como terapia hormonal de reafirmación de género y bloqueadores puberales serían inaccesibles en Tennessee para cualquier persona transgénero hasta que cumplan 18 años. Los jóvenes aún pueden obtener acceso a cuidados de salud mental, la cuál no es restringida ni prohibida por esta ley en Tennessee.
Esta es una área de ley que aún está evolucionando y este proyecto de ley es intencionalmente ambiguo en lo que se refiere a lo que está prohibido exactamente y cómo se aplica. El lenguaje usado no dice que las personas no pueden salir de Tennessee y obtener acceso a atención médica en los estados donde sí es legal hacerlo, y una corte probablemente estaría de acuerdo que es en contra de la constitución el prohibir a personas viajar a otros estados.
¿Cuándo entra en vigor HB1/SB1?
HB1/SB1 entrará en vigor el 1 de julio del 2023. De acuerdo a la ley, los pacientes menores de 18 años que ya han recibido cuidados médicos para reafirmación de género pueden continuar recibiendo atención médica hasta el 31 de marzo del 2024. Sin embargo, la provisión legal para personas que están actualmente recibiendo cuidados médicos y que continuarán recibiendo este cuidado hasta marzo del 2024 es para que los adolescentes actualmente en estos cuidados reciban tratamientos para revertir su transición entre 1 de julio 2023 y marzo 2024. Por esta razón, muchos doctores que actualmente proveen cuidados médicos para reafirmación de género en el estado de Tennessee descontinuarán todos los cuidados el 1 de julio del 2023. Pacientes que actualmente están recibiendo cuidados de estos proveedores no podrán recibir atención médica después del 1 de julio del 2023 y deberán comenzar a buscar opciones fuera del estado para cuidados de referentes a la reafirmación de género. Se debe tomar en cuenta que los socios legales en la ACLU de Tennessee han anunciado planes para impugnar esta ley, lo que podría bloquear que esta ley sea implementada.
Estos son unas acciónes inmediatas en las cual comunidades impactadas pueden participar antes que la ley entre en vigor:
1) Ver a su proveedor actual lo más pronto posible para hablar de las necesidades actuales y opciones para continuar su cuidado;
2) Actualizar sus cartas de terapia para que estén al día y disminuir la carga de comenzar con otrxs doctores fuera del estado;
3) Llene sus prescripciones actuales con respecto a su cuidado de reafirmación de género;
4) Para ver una lista de provedorxs para reafirmación de género en los estados del sur de los Estados Unidos, por favor visite la guía de Trans in the South (Trans en el súr) en www.transinthesouth.org.
5) Para cualquier pregunta relacionada a cómo recibir cuidado de reafirmación de género fuera del estado, favor de llenar la forma en www.southernequality.org/tnresources o mande un correo electrónico a TennesseeResources@southernequality.org.
Recursos de emergencia
- Becas de repuesta rápida: The Campaign for Southern Equality, en sociedad con Inclusion Tennessee, estará facilitando becas de emergencia para respuesta rápida de $500 para ayudar a personas directamente afectadxs por HB1/SB1 durante estos tiempos difíciles. Las becas pueden ser dadas a nombre de padres o personas que cuiden a jovenxs afectadxs. Para aprender más de estas becas y para pedir una beca, favor de visitar www.southernequality.org/TNResources o mandar un correo electrónico a TennesseeResources@southernequality.org.
Eventos
- Taller de salud trans: The Campaign for Southern Equality, Inclusion Tennessee, y OUT Memphis se han unido para ofrecer un taller de salud trans el martes 7 de marzo, de 6-7pm CT. Esto será un espacio virtual intergeneracional para adultxs trans y no-binarios, jovenxs y personas que lxs cuidan en Tennessee. Nosotrxs compartiremos charlas, reflexiones, y técnicas de bienestar juntxs. Haga clic aquí para reservar su cupo.
Preguntas legales y necesidades
- Considera consultar con un abogadx sobre tus necesidades específicas y tus preguntas.
- Para hablar sobre la posibilidad de impugnar propuestas de ley conta transgénero u otras necesidades legales, póngase en contacto con la ACLU de Tennessee a través de su formulario que puede encontrar en: https://www.aclu-tn.org/legal-assistance/.
- Para otras preguntas relacionadas a la justicia transgénero o para más información sobre el programa TRANScend Tennessee de la ACLU de Tennessee, mande un correo electronico a transcendtn@aclu-tn.org.
Grupos de apoyo
Parents and Families of Transgender Youth Support Group (Facebook)
Enfoque para el este de Tennessee, pero todxs son bienvenidxs
Manda un mensaje a Carrie Joy Wadman para ser admitidx al grupo
Facebook: Carrie Joy Wadman
Email: carriejoywadman@gmail.com
Phone: 813-541-0145
LGBTQ+ Friendly Mental Health Professionals of East Tennessee (Facebook)
Enfoque para el este de Tennessee, pero todxs lxs profesionalxs son bienvenidxs
Organizaciones Comunitarias LGBTQ en Tennessee
Conecte con estas organizaciones que trabajan en primera fila apoyando a personas LGBTQ en Tennessee:
Apoyo para jovenxs y familias
PFLAG GLSEN TN
Statewide Statewide
pflag.org/find-a-chapter glsen.org/chapter/tennessee
Just Us en el Oasis Center Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN
Nashville Middle TN
oasiscenter.org/for-youth https://mentorakid.org/
Apoyo para cuidado de salud general
CHOICES Friends for Life
Memphis Memphis
Yourchoices.org fflmemphis.org
Vanderbilt Program for LGBTQ Health Nashville CARES Sexual Health Clinic
Nashville Nashville
https://www.vanderbilthealth.com/ nashvillecares.org/
program/program-lgbtq-health
Partnership to End AIDS Status Planned Parenthood of TN and North MS
Memphis Statewide
Partnershiptoendaidsstatus.com https://www.plannedparenthood.org
Apoyo de vivienda
Bryant’s Bridge Nashville Launch Pad
Knoxville Nashville
Bryantsbridge.org nashvillelaunchpad.com/
My Sistah’s House
Memphis
mshmemphis.org/
Organizaciones comunitarias
Nooga Diversity Center Equality Jackson
Chattanooga Jackson
facebook.com/Noogadiversitycenter equalityjacksontn.org
Pride Community Center Appalachian OUTreach
Johnson City Maryville
Pridetricities.com appalachianoutreach.org/about-us
OUT Memphis Inclusion Tennessee
Memphis Statewide
outmemphis.org/ inclusiontn.org
LGBT Chamber Knox Pride
Nashville Knoxville
nashvillelgbtchamber.org/ https://www.knoxpride.com/
Organizaciones políticas
ACLU of Tennessee Tennessee Equality Project
Statewide Statewide
Aclu-tn.org tnep.org/
TN Advocates for Planned Parenthood
Statewide
Plannedparenthoodaction.org
Para jovenxs y familias que necesitan apoyo
Sabemos que las propuestas de ley como estas pueden causar angustia. Aquí hay algunos recursos que les pueden ayudar.
- Para asistencia médica inmediata o asistencia policiaca, llame al 911.
- Si estas pensando en causarte daño, contacta al la linea de asistencia National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (ahora el 988 la linea de emergencia para prevencion de suicidio y crisis), ABIERTA 24/7, 365 DIAS/AÑO.
- Llame al: 988
- Llame al: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Mensaje de texto: 741741
- Mensaje en línea: Manda un mensaje aquí
- Si eres una persona LGBTQ (de edades 13-24) que está pensando en lastimarse o que estás en crisis, ponte en contacto con The Trevor Project’s 24-Hour Suicide Prevention Hotline, ABIERTA 24/7, 365 DIAS/AÑO.
- Llame al: 866 4 U TREVOR / (866) 488-7386
- Mensaje de texto: Textea 'START' al 678-678
- Mensaje en línea: Manda un mensaje aquí
- Si es una persona trans (o amigx/familiar de una persona trans) en crisis o que necesita apoyo, póngase en contacto con Trans Lifeline, ABIERTO 24/7, 365 DIAS/AÑO.
Apoyo de uno a uno (peer to peer): Peer2Peer.LIVE on Twitch