SCOTUS and gender affirming care for minors
In June or July SCOTUS will deliver their decision on U.S. v Skrmetti
U.S v Skrmetti is hugely personal for me and my family. This summer SCOTUS will decide whether or not the care that my son received, care that is essential to the health and well being of trans youth, can be banned at the state level.
On December 4th, 2024 the Supreme Court heard oral arguments for U.S. v Skrmetti, a case that addresses gender affirming care for minors. Brian and Samantha Williams of Nashville, TN along with their transgender daughter are challenging a Tennessee law that bans gender affirming care for minors. As the court often does, it has bundled more than one case together (hence the name Skrmetti in the official title for the case).
The Williams’s are represented by the ACLU. The case was argued by Chase Strangio, the first openly transgender attorney to argue before the Supreme Court. One of the great thrills of writing About Bliss was interviewing Chase about his thoughts on trans youth and their fertility. You might want to buy the book to read the interview!
Tennessee is one of 26 states that currently bans gender affirming care for minors.
This case represents the first time that SCOTUS will consider how the Equal Protection clause applies to gender affirming care for minors. If the court sides with Tennessee it will be very, very difficult for trans kids to grow up in over half the states of the country.
If you want to read more about the case:
The Williams Institute’s Summary
The Supreme Court’s public webpage for Skrmetti (go here to read arguments or amicus briefs)
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See you tomorrow! XO
Best wishes with your book launch, Cristina! Happy Pride! Hope to see you on July 17.