AUSTIN, Texas — Protest after protest, the LGBTQ community tried to make their voices heard this legislative session. Carrying signs that said “protect trans kids,” LGBTQ Texans and their allies wanted to stop a Republican-backed bill that would ban gender-affirming care for minors. But despite their efforts and that of Democrats, the LGTBQ community lost their biggest battle of the session.
What You Need To Know
- The House took a third and final vote on the bill Monday, passing it 87-56, and banning gender-affirming care for children in the state
- According to a 2022 study, 40% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among trans youth
- Studies done by the University of Texas at Austin show puberty blockers can slow down a child’s growth, but they can also decrease thoughts of suicide
- Some conservatives say the passage of this bill is a victory for Texas kids
For nearly six hours last Friday, Democrats tried to convince their colleagues that this bill was not right for transgender Texans and their families.
“This bill… is banning health care,” said Rep. Mary González, D-Clint.
But ultimately, they were unsuccessful.
“It’s time for us to stop this and let the science catch up,” said Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, who sponsored the bill in the House.
The House took a third and final vote on the bill Monday, passing it 87-56, banning gender-affirming care for children in the state.
Transgender children might choose to temporarily suppress puberty through the use of prescription medications. Studies done by the University of Texas at Austin show puberty blockers can slow down a child’s growth, but they can also decrease thoughts of suicide. Both sides of the issue feel they’re “protecting children.”
“We want to make sure that children do not go through this harmful process before they are adults and can make that decision on their own,” said Mary Elizabeth Castle, the director of government relations for Texas Values.
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Landon Richie, who is a transgender man, said that argument is “dishonest.” He told his parents he was struggling with gender dysphoria at the age of 12. With the support of his family, he had hormone replacement therapy so he could go through puberty at the same rate as his peers. He said the treatment was helpful, not harmful.
“Without the care that I have received, I very likely would not have been here,” Richie said.
According to a 2022 study, 40% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among trans youth.
“Having the ability and the access and the resources to help me feel more comfortable and allow me to live more freely has not only been lifesaving, but life-giving,” he added.
The 20-year-old is now the policy associate at the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT). He’s worried about other kids who might not be able to get access to the same care he had, and those who will have to be weaned off puberty blockers when this legislation becomes law.
“It is telling trans youth that they are second-class citizens not worthy of the health care that they receive, not worthy of the support that they receive, not worthy of being able to live as themselves,” Richie said. “It's a move that will cost lives.”
Richie and others say they’ll keep fighting for health care, while some conservatives say the passage of this bill is a victory for Texas kids.
“Our legislature has a duty to make sure we hold bad people accountable and keep people safe,” Castle said.
