'It Hurts People': How Trans Youth Are Being Targeted By State Legislation
'It Hurts People': How Trans Youth Are Being Targeted By State Legislation
Syrus Hall, 17, with his mother Carla Saunée, 39, at their home in Mobile, Ala. "You can't write a bill when you have zero experience with the transgender population," Saunée says. Edmund D. Fountain for NPR hide caption
Syrus Hall, 17, with his mother Carla Saunée, 39, at their home in Mobile, Ala. "You can't write a bill when you have zero experience with the transgender population," Saunée says.
Edmund D. Fountain for NPRBills under consideration in dozens of states target trans youth by focusing on two things: health care and sports. Some bills have already become law in states including South Dakota, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Alabama.
One of the harshest measures is an Alabama, where a bill would make it a felony to provide gender-affirming therapy to anyone under the age of 19. NPR's Melissa Block reports on what that would mean for one trans teenager and his family.
University of Pittsburgh professor Jules Gill-Peterson explains what she's uncovered about the history of trans youth in America. She is the author of Histories of the Transgender Child.
In participating regions, you'll also hear from local journalists about what's happening in your community.
Email us at considerthis@npr.org.
This episode was produced by Brent Baughman, Brianna Scott, Angela Vang and Lee Hale. It was edited by Sami Yenigun with help from Wynne Davis. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.