The Misalignment of the Government, Medical Field, and Public Opinion on Gender Affirming Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
Location
Ponderosa Room D
Presentation Type
Presentation
Start Date
6-3-2026 10:10 AM
Event Sort Order
14
Abstract
Gender affirming healthcare, particularly for transgender and gender diverse youth, has been debated on legislative floors and in courtrooms across the country in recent years. However, the evidence politicians often highlight seems to be at odds with the standards of care practiced by licensed physicians. This paper seeks to compile the variety of rationales and evidence regarding access to gender affirming healthcare for transgender and gender diverse youth. Through the evaluation of court cases, legislative bills, recommendations from medical professionals, and the opinions of those affected by the lack of access to gender affirming healthcare, this paper highlights the disconnect between the political, legal, and medical fields. Despite this gap, all sides claim they are helping children. As anti-transgender bans and bills continue to be debated and passed, it is crucial to comprehend the consequences that these legislative moves have for American children.
The Misalignment of the Government, Medical Field, and Public Opinion on Gender Affirming Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
Ponderosa Room D
Gender affirming healthcare, particularly for transgender and gender diverse youth, has been debated on legislative floors and in courtrooms across the country in recent years. However, the evidence politicians often highlight seems to be at odds with the standards of care practiced by licensed physicians. This paper seeks to compile the variety of rationales and evidence regarding access to gender affirming healthcare for transgender and gender diverse youth. Through the evaluation of court cases, legislative bills, recommendations from medical professionals, and the opinions of those affected by the lack of access to gender affirming healthcare, this paper highlights the disconnect between the political, legal, and medical fields. Despite this gap, all sides claim they are helping children. As anti-transgender bans and bills continue to be debated and passed, it is crucial to comprehend the consequences that these legislative moves have for American children.
Presenter Bio
Izzy Lewis is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with majors in journalism, sports media, and advertising/public relations and a minor in English. Izzy hopes to one day have a media-related job that allows her to be creative while making a difference. When she's not at class or work, Izzy likes to curl up with a good book and her two cats, Rizzo and Finn.