Just last month, Alabama approved a bill that will prevent any minor from safely beginning their gender transition through a doctor, and, of course, opinions have been massively divided.
Now Arkansas has followed suit, overriding the governor's veto...
For many, the ban is a huge step in the wrong direction.
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Because people who are transgender often realize that they are from a very young age - children are able to experience gender dysphoria and this is when the majority of trans people realize their conflict.
It is a heartbreaking reality that many trans children face rejection from their families.
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According to the Human Rights Campaign, studies have shown that familial rejection can lead to the LGBTQ+ youth engaging in behaviors and activities that endanger their health, trigger depression, and other mental health issues, and, in some extreme cases, can lead to homelessness and suicide.Coming out as transgender and beginning the transition will never be easy...
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Despite this being what a person desires, the first few steps into transition are never easy, especially for a child. Enduring taunting in the school corridors from their peers who are too uninformed to understand the situation is a sad reality for many trans children.Thankfully, the LGBTQ+ community is bigger than ever today.
There are countless organizations around the world that work hard together purely to support people, especially children, of the transgender community.
However, that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement...
As the state of Alabama proved last month.
Opinions were seriously divided...
Many people have been quick to express their horror over the newly approved bill.
However, others think thought the bill was a good thing due to the young age of those it affects.
The bill was approved by Alabama's Senate Health Committee.
And will make providing transgender minors with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or puberty blockers a felony with an 11-2 vote in favor of the legislation.
And the punishment for those caught breaking this new law is severe.
SB-10, the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, would punish doctors for providing transitionary care to transgender youth with up to ten years in prison.
If passed through the State Senate and House of Representatives...
SB-10 would make Alabama the first US state to enact an official transgender medical ban.
​And, to make matters even more perilous for those fighting for transgender rights...
This ban is just 1 of 8 anti-trans pieces of legislation being considered by state legislatures across the country.
Medical experts and transgender advocates have warned that criminalizing transgender medical care could lead to a spike in suicides and mental health problems among trans youth.
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"All of these measures run counter to medical science, prevailing standards of treatment for transgender youth, and basic human dignity. Research has shown that transgender youth have the best outcomes when they are affirmed in their gender identity through supportive families, medical providers, and communities," stated Alabama's ACLU chapter.
And the latest news?
Arkansas has followed Alabama, overriding a governor veto in the process.
Governor Asa Hutchinson vetoed the bill but it has passed anyway.
It's no expected that lawsuits from various civil rights groups will follow.