Transgender kids are in a frantic rush for treatment amid bans
SAM METZ and AMANCAI BIRABEN
Associated Press
Updated
State legislatures are off and running in 2023, and across dozens of states, a big issue for legislators is health care for transgender people, particularly the subset known as gender-affirming care. In 2023 alone, legislators have introduced more than 100 bills across 31 states that would r…
Asher Wilcox-Broekemeier, 13, poses for a portrait with his sticker-adorned skateboard March 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Asher still struggles with moments of gender dysphoria.
Erin Woodiel, Associated Press
Elle Palmer, 13, speaks during an interview Feb. 7 in Salt Lake City. Republican lawmakers across the country are banning gender-affirming care for minors. The new laws have parents scrambling to secure the care their kids need.
Asher Wilcox-Broekemeier, 13, practices guitar in his bedroom March 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D. When Asher began menstruating, he felt a terrifying disconnect between how his body was changing on the outside and how he felt inside.
Elle Palmer, 13, plays her mandolin Feb. 7 in Salt Lake City. Taunts from kids at Elle’s prior school drove her into depression so deep she had suicidal thoughts.
Asher Wilcox-Broekemeier, 13, practices with his skateboard at an elementary school playground after school hours March 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Asher's parents have noticed his emotions stabilize through his treatment. “From a parent’s view, I see him as being able to be himself authentically, which is wonderful for him,” Elizabeth said.
Elle Palmer, 13, speaks during an interview Feb. 7 in Salt Lake City. Multiple studies have shown that transgender youth are less at risk for depression and suicidal behaviors when able to access gender-affirming care.
Elle Palmer, 13, speaks during an interview Feb. 7 in Salt Lake City. Republican lawmakers across the country are banning gender-affirming care for minors. The new laws have parents scrambling to secure the care their kids need.
Asher Wilcox-Broekemeier, 13, poses for a portrait with his sticker-adorned skateboard March 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Asher still struggles with moments of gender dysphoria.
Elle Palmer, 13, plays her mandolin Feb. 7 in Salt Lake City. Taunts from kids at Elle’s prior school drove her into depression so deep she had suicidal thoughts.
Asher Wilcox-Broekemeier, 13, practices guitar in his bedroom March 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D. When Asher began menstruating, he felt a terrifying disconnect between how his body was changing on the outside and how he felt inside.
Asher Wilcox-Broekemeier, 13, practices with his skateboard at an elementary school playground after school hours March 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Asher's parents have noticed his emotions stabilize through his treatment. “From a parent’s view, I see him as being able to be himself authentically, which is wonderful for him,” Elizabeth said.
Elle Palmer, 13, speaks during an interview Feb. 7 in Salt Lake City. Multiple studies have shown that transgender youth are less at risk for depression and suicidal behaviors when able to access gender-affirming care.
