SB 613 Signed: trans youth healthcare update
Blue background with white paper and orange washi tape with text “SB 613 & Trans Healthcare Update”. In the lower right is a Freedom Oklahoma logo on an orange background.
How do we start a message that contains what felt like inevitable, heartbreaking news for the most vulnerable members of our community for too long? We have drafts, but none quite feel right in this moment. So here’s the truth of it:
SB 613 was signed into law last night. It’s intentionally cruel. The Senate used the lives and health of trans kids as a pawn in a political power game. And, as expected, the folks who lost are Two Spirit, trans, and gender nonconforming (2STGNC+) youth; medical providers; and families of 2STGNC+ kids. This sucks. It’s unquestionably awful. Monday night, after hours, when he hoped he could break the news instead of media, Governor Kevin Stitt signed SB 613, making a ban on transition-related physical healthcare for trans Oklahomans under 18 effective with an emergency. There is a six month tapering off period for people currently receiving care, and the promise of litigation we asked from litigation orgs to have ready for this very possibility. And we know that’s still too much harm and uncertainty to have to bear.
Digital photo collage with pictures of Oklahomans rallying in support of best practice medical care for trans youth in 2022 and 2023. Text at the top “Trans, Two Spirit, and gender nonconforming people, of all ages, deserve best practice, gender affirming healthcare. Without government interference.” In the center is a Freedom Oklahoma logo.
In the days and weeks ahead, we’ll do our best to update you on exactly what this impact means, and provide resources to ensure continuity of care without disruption however we can. And, there’s a few things we want to remind you of:
-the bill bans specifically physical care related to gender transition for those under 18. It specifically does not impact mental healthcare.
-there is a 6 month tapering off period, so no treatment should be immediately impacted. Keep your appointments, and reach out to us if there's a disruption to your care. We have built a section under the health resource page on our website to continue to share updated information in the weeks ahead.
-Lambda Legal, ACLU of Oklahoma, and ACLU have promised legal action, and we will continue to update you on that forthcoming effort.
-affirming crisis support exists, including through resources like Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860 and The Trevor Project (866) 488-7386. You can find more mental health resources on our website.
-Two Spirit, transgender, and gender nonconforming people have always been and will always be in Oklahoma. We belong here. We deserve access to best practice medical care. Without government interference.
Blue background with white paper and orange washi tape. Text on the image “Affirming crisis resources: The Trevor Project (for 2SLGBTQ+ youth) www.thetrevorproject.org 1-866-488-7386 Trans Lifeline (trans support by trans people for trans people) translifeline.org/ 877-560-8860”
We know that there are national organizations and elected officials drafting fundraising emails about this harm right now. But your dollars are most needed by 2STGNC+ Oklahomans fighting for their lives. A few mutual aid resources that are 2STGNC+ centered, led, or that provide support to especially vulnerable 2STGNC+ folks include:
Tulsa Intersectional Care Network
Oklahoma Harm Reduction Alliance
We will have more updates in the days and weeks ahead. But know, this fight isn’t over. We’re going to figure this out together. Because 2STGNC+ Oklahomans deserve healthcare. No matter what.
We see you. We love you. We take care of us,
Nicole McAfee
they/she
Freedom Oklahoma Executive Director