We Owe Transgender Children and Youth Affirmation and Respect

Children and youth need to be affirmed in their identities in order to be healthy and to thrive. This is a statement of fact and not contested opinion; it is backed by research, and it is supported by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In spite of this, Governor Abbott of Texas is using his power to intentionally harm children and youth by doing the exact opposite of what we all know is best. His actions directly endanger the health and well-being of the children of Texas and their families, and the health care professionals that support them by falsely stating that gender-affirming health care is equivalent to child abuse. This is patently wrong, politically motivated, and incredibly dangerous.

For transgender youth—and all youth—to thrive, the environments where they learn and grow, the various systems with which they interact, and the adults who love, care for, and support them must affirm their identities and senses of self. Again, the research is clear: all young people need respect and affirmation of their whole identity—including their gender identity—and without this support, young people suffer detrimental harm to their health and well-being. We know that gender inclusive policies are associated with better mental health outcomes and higher levels of feelings of belonging among transgender youth. Gender-affirming medical care has been linked to lower rates of depression, suicidal thought, and suicide risk. Medical experts including, the AMA, AAP, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Psychiatric Association have all been outspoken about the importance of gender-affirming care to ensure the health and well-being of transgender youth.