FEMINIST On the Ground: Supreme Court Case U.S. v. Skrmetti Could Shape the Future of Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth
FEMINIST joined the rally in solidarity and to cover what was happening on the ground. We heard directly from leaders of the Trans community why the US V Skrmetti case affects people of all genders. Reproductive rights organizational leaders also joined the rally as a point that trans rights are abortion rights too!
Brought by ACLU and Lambda Legal on behalf of a physician and three families with transgender children, U.S. vs. Skrmetti is a Supreme Court case that challenges Tennessee’s ban on hormone treatments for transgender youth. Trans youth deserve equal protection under the law, and families and their doctors—not politicians—should be trusted to make these private medical decisions.
Over the past three years, 24 states have banned hormone therapy for trans youth, forcing families to either travel for care or leave their children without critical support.
FEMINIST was on the ground in Washington D.C. covering the case and interviewing key speakers.
About the case
On December 4th, the Supreme Court heard U.S. v. Skrmetti, a case that will determine the future of medical care for transgender youth. ACLU attorney Chase Strangio represented the private plaintiffs during oral arguments, making history as the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court.
Brought by ACLU and Lambda Legal on behalf of a physician and three families with transgender children, the case challenges Tennessee’s ban on hormone treatments for transgender youth. Tennessee’s ban, similar to other bans passed in recent years, allows these treatments for purposes consistent with a person’s sex designated at birth, and only bans this health care for trans people specifically. One of the families challenging the law is the Williams family, who are fighting for their daughter’s ability to access gender affirming care. The law being challenged prohibits treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapies, which they argue are essential for their daughter's well-being. This case will determine whether Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The court's opinion is expected near the end of the court’s term in June 2025.
Chase Strangio greets the rally attendees post oral arguments—Chase Strangio is the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the US Supreme Court.
Why this is a feminist issue:
→ Bodily Autonomy & Expanding the Reach of Dobbs:
The same politicians banning abortion are now pushing to ban gender-affirming care. Protecting the right to make private medical decisions with our doctors is essential, and we must defend it.
→ Inclusion & the Constitution: All people including trans youth deserve equal protection under the law. If the Supreme Court rules against trans people, it could
allow the government to discriminate against them, particularly in medical settings.
→ Families & Their Freedoms: Lack of support for transgender youth increases their risk of school dropout, substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicide,
while trans youth who receive family and community support tend to have higher academic performance,
build healthier relationships, and can plan for their futures
with safety. Families and their doctors should be trusted to make these private medical decisions, not politicians.
Trans youth, activists, community leaders and protestors joined the rally from across the US in support of Trans youth’s right to access healthcare.
Take action
👉 Follow @aclu_nationwide and sign their petition to defend trans freedom.
👉 Learn more about Chase Strangio’s impact litigation and advocacy work on behalf of LGBTQ people and people living with HIV across the United States by reading his recent FEMINIST feature.
