In 2023, several states including New York, California, and Minnesota enacted laws to protect trans youth, positioning themselves as safe havens amidst rising federal hostility under the Trump administration. Despite these laws, challenges remain, as state leaders struggle to fully shield trans residents from the federal government’s anti-trans initiatives. As hospitals announce restrictions on gender-affirming care, many trans youth face cancellation of essential medical appointments. These state protections, initially designed for different adversities, now seem inadequate against a challenging federal landscape that threatens the existence of gender-affirming care.
New York's new shield law would "enshrine our state as a beacon of hope, a safe haven for trans youth and their families," Governor Kathy Hochul announced during Pride Month in 2023.
...but state leaders-once eager for LGBT-friendly soundbites-are instead rolling over in the face of the federal anti-trans campaign.
...these and other so-called "safe haven" laws enshrined across the country are no match for the might of the federal government.
Even in the best-case scenario, states are unlikely to be unable to fully protect their trans residents from White House attacks.
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