Well, Reader - the Skrmetti case didn't go the way we wanted it to.

My social media feed and email inbox have been filled with responses to the SCOTUS decision, and I dreaded reading them.

But I was surprised to find that most messages contained threads of hope and certainty:

💬 Trans people have always been here, will continue to be here, and will continue to fight, regardless of what the Supreme Court says.

💬 Our community of trans folks and allies will continue to look out for each other and care for each other.

💬 The trans community has survived so much—and will survive this.

💬 New and existing partnerships and coalitions are mobilizing and activating to make their voices heard.

This decision is devastating and heartbreaking, no doubt. The Supreme Court has failed to protect families and has allowed politicians to continue targeting healthcare for transgender youth.

However, the Court limited its decision to this specific Tennessee law and didn't greenlight discrimination against transgender people more broadly.

Furthermore, this decision doesn't change the law in states that have not passed bans on this care.

And, the Skrmetti ruling has nothing to do with the president’s unlawful exercise of power against trans kids and adults.

So advocacy organizations and lawmakers still have tools to fight back. And so do all of us.

​A powerful essay by legal and policy strategist Sam Ames made the rounds in several of my circles since the ruling, and their words gave me clarity and strength to respond in a thoughtful and supportive way.

Trans kids are worthy of safety, bodily autonomy, and respect, and we'll continue the work of providing their families with learning, support, and community.

If you need support in this moment, we've got a few options for you:

​Schedule a connection call​
A free 20-minute Zoom call with me to discuss a particular issue or explore more options for support.

​Parents of Trans Youth Community​
A new secure online membership space for parents and caregivers of trans and gender-expansive youth and young adults. The next application window is June 29-July 5, and you'll be hearing LOTS more about this in the coming days.

Virtual support session​
Stay tuned for an online support session about Skrmetti co-hosted with trusted partners!

We'll get through this. We're strong. And we have power in community.

Mandy Giles​
Founder, Parents of Trans Youth​

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