The debate over gender-affirming care for minors has reached new heights as the US Supreme Court prepares to hear a pivotal case, ‘United States v. Skrmetti‘. The case will determine whether Tennessee’s law, which prohibits treatments like hormone therapy and puberty blockers for transgender minors, violates the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause.
Tennessee is one of over 20 states that have enacted similar bans, with supporters arguing that such significant decisions should not be made for minors, comparing it to restrictions on marriage or legal contracts.
Chase Strangio, a transgender lawyer and supporter of gender-affirming care made a bold remark during an interview with CNN, asserting that a person’s understanding of their gender can emerge as early as the age of two. “These are young people who may have known since 2 years old exactly who they are”, he said. Strangio’s comments about transgender consciousness sparked backlash from conservative figures.
Donald Trump Jr, son of US President-elect Donald Trump, condemned Strangio’s comment on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Anyone who thinks it’s OK to castrate a two-year-old should be castrated!” He condemned what he called “mutilation” of minors, sparking a debate on social media.
Strangio, a prominent civil rights lawyer who has long advocated for gender-affirming care, emphasised the importance of such care for transgender minors. As a transgender man who has personally benefited from gender-affirming treatment, Strangio’s advocacy is deeply rooted in his own experience.
Other users on X also responded to Strangio’s remarks made during his CNN interview.
