Today, the Supreme Court of the United States failed trans youth by upholding Tennessee’s cruel and discriminatory ban on transition-related healthcare for youth. The 6-3 decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti means extremist state legislatures can continue to deny best-practice, evidence-based, medically necessary healthcare to young people.
Transition-related healthcare is supported by all major medical associations, improves mental health and quality of life, and is often lifesaving for those who can access it. The Supreme Court’s decision today is nothing short of an attack on trans young people all over the nation.
Important: right now, New Jersey is still a sanctuary for trans healthcare. While New Jersey has stood as a beacon of protection, the Supreme Court’s decision sends a chilling message that extremist attacks on trans youth are not only tolerated but legally permissible in much of the country.
Today’s ruling doesn’t just impact Tennessee. It threatens families across the country, especially in the 26 states with similar bans.
In New Jersey, we’re lucky to have a pro-equality legislature and governor, and the protections we currently have in place mean this ruling won’t directly impact young trans people in the Garden State.
Take Action
Keep an eye on our social media and this page for updates on more ways you can join the fight.
Strengthen Legal Protections in New Jersey
Many of our protections aren’t codified into law, and could be overturned after this year’s gubernatorial election. That’s why we launched the Jersey for Trans Healthcare campaign—to push our lawmakers to pass shield laws for trans healthcare in New Jersey. New Jersey must act—not just as a sanctuary, but as a leader for equality and safety.
This campaign is to protect and expand access to trans healthcare–not only for our community, but for anyone seeking refuge from attacks on life-saving healthcare.
We need our lawmakers to meet this moment. We need our legislature to boldly and publicly stand with families of transgender youth by passing the Reproductive Freedom & Health Equity Bill Package..
Visit the Jersey for Trans Healthcare page now to contact your legislators and demand they pass strong legal protections today. New Jersey can continue to be a shield state, but only if we act now.
Support Garden State Equality’s Trans Resiliency Work
Our Trans Resiliency team works tirelessly every day to ensure that trans communities in New Jersey can not only survive, but thrive.
Make a gift today to support our Trans Resiliency programming, from helping people access legal name and gender changes to empowering trans students through the TranscendU program and beyond.
Proud and Free: United for Trans Power — New Jersey
Thanks to everyone who showed up with us in Asbury Park on June 21 to say loud and clear that trans youth in New Jersey are loved, supported, and have the right to live free from discrimination, just like everyone else!