NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Top state officials, lawmakers and concerned Tennesseans spent Wednesday in Washington D.C. to watch history unfold.
The U.S. Supreme Court took up a case Wednesday, challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. While the Justices heard arguments inside, several Tennesseans rallied outside the high court.
"Oh, I don't know, thousands, 3,000 maybe," said Bean Chapman — Co-chair of the Tennessee Equality Project for Knox, Anderson, and Blount County — to describe the crowd outside.
Each person had a story that led them to the nation's highest court.
"When I was 17 I received top surgery, and that experience was the most life-saving experience of my life," said Eli Givens, as they stood outside the Supreme Court.
At just 11 years old, Eli knew something was different. As they began to struggle with their identity, it would be years before they had surgery to re-affirm what they already knew.
It's the reason why Eli felt so compelled to travel all the way from Tennessee to Washington, D.C.
"What many of them don't know is that social transition can occur without there being permanent changes, and I just want to communicate that these families and these kids deserve to be supported," said Givens.
Givens was one of 48 people allowed inside as the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
"This case is about protecting kids from the consequences of decisions that they cannot fully understand," said Jonathan Skrmetti, Tennessee Attorney General.
According to the Williams Institute, there are more than 3,000 children who identify as transgender in Tennessee. Currently, state law makes it illegal to provide medical care to minors, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy.
"It's not a buzzword that we use, it is truly life-saving. I know of youth who have lost their life to suicide because they didn't have support," detailed Chapman. "I know numerous youths right now who are living on the streets, who have been kicked out of their homes, have been kicked out of their places of worship and they are just suffering under this."
Chapman also traveled from Tennessee to rally with trans advocates. She explained it's important for her to fight for children's rights, especially when it comes to the care she believes they need.
"What are you doing to protect these most vulnerable unsupportive kids that there are? It's tough, it's tough," Chapman said.
Since 2021, 24 states have enacted bans on gender-affirming medical care, including hormone therapy and puberty suppressant medications.
"The evidence shows that the large majority of kids dealing with gender dysmorphia will grow out of it unless they're put on these medications," said Skrmetti.
President-elect Donald Trump backed a national ban on such care as part of his campaign.
Now, the future of care for transgender youth lies in the hands of the Supreme Court. A decision from the Court is not expected to come until June 2025.
In the meantime, the Tennessee Equality Project states:
"We will continue to fight for the rights and protection of ALL Tennessee children through legislative advocacy, community engagement, and aggressive team building until the state legislature suspends its relentless attacks on queer Tennesseans."
Brian Sullivan, Nashville Co-Chair, Tennessee Equality Project