Today’s 6-3 Supreme Court decision to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth is heartbreaking and dangerous. It allows politics to override medical guidance and family rights, and it threatens the well-being of transgender and gender-diverse youth across the country. Barriers to care will hit the most vulnerable parts of our trans community hardest, particularly impacting our black and brown communities and under-resourced families.

Our hearts are with the families in Tennessee and the 25 other states where similar bans are being pursued. No one should be denied the right to live as their authentic self. No family should have to fight for access to essential, medically recommended, lifesaving care.

The Center on Colfax is, and always will be, a safe haven for trans youth, families, and anyone seeking support, affirmation, and care. We are here for our Colorado community and through our virtual offerings, for all who need us beyond state lines. The Center on Colfax serves as a gathering place; one where our community can come together and find our way out of the darkness and isolation to move towards wholeness.

Our youth program, Rainbow Alley, offers both in-person and virtual connection options for trans and gender diverse youth and their families. For those looking to be more involved allies to our trans community, our Trusted Adults Virtual Space and Significant Others Support Group meet monthly to support trans youth and partners of trans people. Our Transgender Program hosts an array of peer support groups across the spectrum of gender identities to uplift our community in times like this. For those over the age of 18, Glass Lawler Mental Health offers free therapeutic sessions and monthly peer support groups for BIPOC individuals, community members in recovery, and more. To get connected with resources, visit lgbtqcolorado.org.

This moment calls for compassion, courage, and collective action. Here are a few ways you can help:

  • Support organizations on the frontlines of providing gender-affirming care, including: Youth Seen, Black Pride Colorado, One Colorado, and Transgender Center of the Rockies. Their work is critical and lifesaving.
  • Contact your elected officials. Tell local, state, and federal representatives you support access to gender-affirming care and oppose bans that harm LGBTQ+ youth.
  • Educate yourself and others. Learn about gender-affirming care from reputable sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics, and challenge misinformation.
  • Follow and uplift trans-led voices. Center and amplify the voices of those most impacted.

We can see what this ruling truly is: an attempt to erase trans people. We have been here forever, and we are not going anywhere. Together, we will push back against fear and discrimination with love and action.

In community, we find our power. We build our power together.