Transgender Lawyer Makes History By Bringing Puberty Blockers And Hormone Therapy Case To Supreme Court

November 25, 2024 by Krishna Patel

Table of Contents

Chase Strangio, a well-known transgender lawyer and ACLU attorney, is about to make history. He will be the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court. The case, set for December 4, 2024, challenges Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors.

This case is a big deal for LGBTQ+ healthcare rights and transgender legal representation. It marks a key moment in the U.S. judicial system.

The Supreme Court case deals with a sensitive issue affecting over 20 states. Tennessee is one of them, banning gender-affirming care for trans youth. Strangio, known as “our nation’s leading legal expert on the rights of transgender people” by the ACLU, has a strong background in transgender rights. He has worked on cases that helped legalize same-sex marriage.

Key Takeaways:

Chase Strangio, a prominent transgender lawyer and ACLU attorney, will become the first openly transgender person to argue before the Supreme Court.
The case challenges Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors, a contentious issue in over 20 states.
Strangio has a deep background in transgender rights advocacy, including involvement in cases that led to the legalization of same-sex marriage.
The case represents a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ healthcare rights and transgender legal representation at the highest level of the U.S. judicial system.
Strangio’s expertise and advocacy have been recognized by the ACLU as “our nation’s leading legal expert on the rights of transgender people.”

Historic Supreme Court Appearance: Breaking New Ground

The Supreme Court case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, is a big deal for transgender representation in the legal field. On December 4, 2024, Chase Strangio, a well-known transgender lawyer, will make history. He will be the first openly transgender attorney to argue before the Supreme Court.

This moment shows how far we’ve come in LGBTQ+ legal representation. It also shows the ongoing fight for transgender rights. Strangio, a civil rights attorney and Deputy Director for Transgender Justice at the ACLU, will argue alongside the Biden administration. This shows the government’s support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Significance for LGBTQ+ Legal Representation

Strangio’s appearance at the Supreme Court is a big deal. It shows the growing influence of LGBTQ+ lawyers in the legal world. It tells us that transgender individuals can succeed and fight for their rights at the highest level.

December 2024 Hearing Details

The case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, will be heard on December 4, 2024. It could have big implications for transgender rights. The Supreme Court’s decision could change the lives of transgender individuals and their families nationwide.

“This is a historic moment that will shape the future of LGBTQ+ rights in America. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the transgender community to have their voices heard and their rights protected.”

Tennessee’s Ban on Gender-Affirming Care: The Core Issue

Tennessee’s S.B. 1 is at the center of a major Supreme Court case. It bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors, like puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Over 20 Republican-led states have followed suit, banning such care for transgender youth. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is fighting this, saying it breaks constitutional law and equal protection rights.

The case questions if it’s okay to deny medical treatments for gender dysphoria in minors. Tennessee Republicans, led by Representative William Lamberth, made it illegal for transgender youth to get certain treatments. This forced doctors in Tennessee to stop these treatments by March 2024.

The ACLU filed a lawsuit against Tennessee in 2023. They are fighting for the Williams family and two other families with transgender children, along with a Memphis doctor. On December 4, 2024, lawyers will argue that the Tennessee law unfairly discriminates against transgender youth.

“The health care banned by this law is supported by the entire mainstream of the medical community.”

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear this case against Tennessee’s 2023 law. The case will likely be argued next fall. It’s a big moment for transgender youth healthcare and state legislation on gender-affirming care bans.

Chase Strangio: Leading Transgender Lawyer in Civil Rights

Chase Strangio leads the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project. He fights for transgender rights. As a civil rights attorney, he uses his legal skills and personal story to advocate for transgender people.

ACLU Leadership and Legal Expertise

Strangio has been key in pushing for LGBTQ+ rights at the ACLU. He has argued cases in four appeals courts. His work helped win a 2019 Supreme Court ruling against workplace discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees.

Previous Landmark Cases and Achievements

Lead counsel in the ACLU’s challenge to North Carolina’s HB2 law
Lead counsel in the ACLU’s challenge to Trump’s trans military ban
Presented oral arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a Supreme Court challenge against a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth
Recipient of the Wasserstein Fellow award from Harvard Law School in 2018-19
Recipient of the Excellence in Opinion/Editorial Writing Award from the Association of LGBTQ Journalists in 2018
Honorary degree recipient from Grinnell College in May 2018
Named one of the Top 40 LGBT Lawyers Under 40 by the National LGBT Bar Association in 2018
Recognized in the BitchMedia “Bitch 50” as an individual who further advances visibility, equality, or access for marginal folks in 2017

Personal Journey and Advocacy

Strangio’s personal story as a transgender man guides his work. He blends legal strategy with public education. This makes him a respected leader in the ACLU’s LGBTQ+ Project.

“Chase Strangio’s unwavering commitment to civil rights and his personal journey as a transgender man have made him a true champion for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Legal Arguments Against State Restrictions

The fight against Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth focuses on equal protection. Chase Strangio, the lead attorney, says denying these treatments is unconstitutional sex-based discrimination.

Strangio, the first openly transgender attorney before the U.S. Supreme Court, believes the law is too strict. He points out that medical evidence supports gender-affirming care for those with gender dysphoria. The case aims to prove that transgender youth have the right to the medical care they need, despite state restrictions.

Strangio says the ACLU’s lawsuit, L.W. v. Skrmetti/U.S. v. Skrmetti, represents Samantha and Brian Williams and their 15-year-old transgender daughter. It also includes two other anonymous families. They argue that the law, which restricts gender dysphoria treatment, harms over 3,000 transgender adolescents in Tennessee.

“The health care banned by this Tennessee law is supported by the entire mainstream of the medical community. We’re fighting to protect the rights of transgender youth to access the care they need.”

Strangio has led 12 legal challenges against similar state laws and won the first trial in Brandt v. Rutledge in June 2023. He is an expert in constitutional law and equal protection issues for LGBTQ+ rights. The Supreme Court hearing in December 2024 is a key moment in the fight for transgender community’s access to essential healthcare.

Impact on Transgender Youth and Families

The Supreme Court case shows how gender-affirming care bans affect transgender youth and their families. People from Tennessee have talked about the distress caused by the state’s law. They’ve had to travel far and spend a lot of money to get the care they need.

Personal Stories from Tennessee

Transgender youth and their families in Tennessee have shared their struggles. A 16-year-old boy had to stop his hormone therapy, causing him more anxiety and depression. Another family had to move to another state to get their daughter the care she needed.

Medical Evidence and Expert Testimony

The case has shown the benefits of gender-affirming treatments. Experts say these treatments can lower the risk of suicide in teens with gender dysphoria. They also talk about how important it is to have access to these treatments early on.

Access to Healthcare Challenges

The ban makes it hard for transgender youth to get the healthcare they need. Families struggle to find doctors who will provide care. This forces them to travel far or spend a lot of money to get the treatment their children need.

Key Statistic	Impact
29% of transgender youth who came out before age 13 attempted suicide in the past year	Highlights the mental health challenges faced by transgender youth without access to gender-affirming care
62% of transgender youth who came out before age 13 seriously considered suicide	Underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and access to gender-affirming treatments
17% of transgender youth who came out between ages 13-17 attempted suicide	Demonstrates the ongoing vulnerability of transgender adolescents, even with slightly higher social support

The effects of banning gender-affirming care on transgender youth and their families are clear. The stories, medical evidence, and challenges to getting healthcare in the Supreme Court case show the harm caused by denying these services.

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Biden Administration’s Support and Intervention

The Biden administration strongly supports the plaintiffs fighting Tennessee’s law on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The Department of Justice (DOJ) stepped in, saying the Sixth Circuit Court’s decision to reinstate the ban was wrong. They pointed out important medical evidence that shows these treatments are beneficial.

This move shows how big of a deal this case is nationally. It also shows the Biden administration’s dedication to LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare. The DOJ’s backing of the plaintiffs shows they’re fighting for transgender people’s rights and making sure they get the medical care they need.

The Biden administration’s actions in this case are part of a bigger plan to help LGBTQ+ people. They’re working to make it easier for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming Americans to get government services. This includes updating passport applications and offering new gender marker options in travel systems and federal employment complaints. They’re all about promoting equity and inclusion for the transgender community.

FAQs

Q: Who is the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the US Supreme Court?

A: The first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the US Supreme Court is a member of the American Civil Liberties Union team, specifically noted for their work on cases related to transgender rights.

Q: What case is the openly transgender lawyer bringing to the Supreme Court?

A: The case involves challenging a Republican-backed law in Tennessee that bans gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, which has significant implications for the rights of transgender individuals.

Q: Why is this case important for transgender rights?

A: This case is crucial as it addresses the legality of denying medical care based on gender identity, potentially setting a precedent for how transgender rights are treated under US law, especially in states that have passed similar laws.

Q: What was the response of Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti regarding the case?

A: Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said that the law is intended to protect minors from making irreversible medical decisions, reflecting the state’s stance on issues surrounding gender identity and medical care for transgender youth.

Q: How does this case relate to the ACLU’s efforts since 2013?

A: The ACLU has been actively involved in advocating for transgender rights since 2013, and this case represents a continuation of their efforts to secure legal protections for transgender individuals, particularly regarding access to necessary medical care.

Q: What impact could this Supreme Court case have on other states?

A: If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the openly transgender lawyer’s arguments, it could lead to a reassessment of similar laws in the 22 states that have passed legislation targeting transgender people, potentially expanding rights and access to medical care for transgender minors nationwide.

Q: Who is Gavin Grimm and how is he related to this case?

A: Gavin Grimm is a transgender rights activist and former student whose case, supported by the ACLU, has been pivotal in shaping legal discussions around transgender rights in schools, highlighting the importance of recognizing gender identity in educational settings.

Q: What are puberty blockers and why are they significant in this context?

A: Puberty blockers are medications that delay the onset of puberty, allowing transgender minors more time to explore their gender identity without the pressure of undergoing irreversible physical changes, making them a critical aspect of gender-affirming medical care.

Q: What could be the legal implications if the Supreme Court rules against transgender rights in this case?

A: A ruling against transgender rights could legitimize laws that restrict access to medical care based on sex and transgender status, potentially leading to increased discrimination and harm against transgender individuals, particularly minors seeking gender-affirming treatment.

Q: How is the case being viewed by legal experts?

A: Legal experts are closely monitoring this case as it represents a significant moment for transgender rights and could either reinforce or challenge the legal protections currently afforded to transgender individuals across the United States.

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