The 88th legislative session has brought significant changes to Texas law. Seven hundred seventy-four bills have gone into effect this September, and as expected, property taxes, school reform, and border security are among the impacted issues. On the other hand, the session was also characterized by its controversial and consequential bills that fared as legislators have taken on a new interest: the LGBTQ+ youth.
Senate Bill 14 was passed on June 2nd and was enacted this month. The bill prohibits minors from receiving treatments and procedures for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria. Proponents of the law argue that prematurely pursuing gender-affirming care such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers may impose irreversible harm minors may not fully understand.
Janie (whose identity is shielded for her protection and privacy) is one of Fort Worth’s last sixteen-year-old hormone therapy patients. She responds to the passage of SB14 and the opinions about transgender kids’ capacity to understand their treatments.
“I feel old enough to give informed consent. I am very aware of the possible effects and what I am doing. I also know that if I waited any longer (i.e., 18–20), not only would my HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) take much longer and not have as strong of an impact, but I also knew that my quality of life until I could get my medication would be much worse.”
The new law has subsequently caused some clinics to close as doctors who perform prohibited procedures or treatments will have their license revoked under Texas’ amended Health and Safety Code and Occupational Code.
“My treatment center has completely shut down, and the lead doctor of the program is also picking up her practice and moving states,” said Janie.
Minors who have started care but can no longer continue their medical transition “shall wean off the prescription drug over a period of time,” according to Sec. 161.703. EXCEPTIONS, (c), (1),
(c) A child to whom the exception under Subsection (b) applies:
(1) shall wean off the prescription drug over a period of time and in a manner that is safe and medically appropriate and that minimizes the risk of complications
The involuntary de-transition of teen patients has raised the concern of a mass mental health crisis. Sharon Herrera is the Founder and Executive Director of LGBTQ Saves, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide a safe space for LGBTQ youth. When asked about the impact of SB14 on Texas transgender youth, she provided a short statement. “One word: Suicide.” But, “ We (LGBTQ Saves) will continue providing all our programming and events the youth.”
