A new law banning gender-affirming care for minors in Louisiana took effect at the start of the year. Since the legislation was passed last summer, parents have been scrambling for help.

For the last two years, Koen has routinely self-administered weekly testosterone injections without a second thought.

During that time, the trans 17-year-old said his self-image and school and family life has drastically improved. His fear of needles, too, has faded.

“[Transitioning] made me look forward to things more because now I can start paying attention to the better version of myself,” said Koen, who asked to be identified by his first name because of fears for his safety. “It’s something I feel like I’ve needed for a while. I’m able to express myself more fluidly and feel comfortable doing that, which I think is a very big step for me right now.”

At the start of the year, though, a greater worry emerged.

A new law banning gender-affirming care for minors in Louisiana took effect on Jan. 1 prohibiting puberty blockers, hormone treatment, and gender-reaffirming surgery. Now, Koen isn’t sure he could continue his hormone treatment.

Louisiana is one of 22 other states that have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for minors, disrupting health care needs for trans and nonbinary people.

        • @yuriy
          1•11 months ago

          Take your own advice and stop being so worried about the genitals of strangers.

          Do you not see how egregiously you are overstepping boundaries here?

            • @yuriy
              2•11 months ago

              If they are happier, cool for them.

              So this is just meaningless fluff? Or are we agreeing that these, uh… “mutilated children” as you so eloquently put, often lead much happier lives with their chosen identity?

              The alternative is they kill themselves in droves, which they’re already doing. Thanks in large part to people like you. Thanks again for being so understanding.