Transgender Health

The plaintiffs are seeking a reversal of a lower court that upheld the ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

Eastern District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that the Missouri Attorney General’s Office may receive protected health information in its investigation of adolescent gender-affirming care, though it rejected the AG’s claims of broad investigative authority.

Missouri has had a ban of medical gender-affirming care for youth, as well as adults on Medicaid or who are incarcerated, since 2023. But other forms of gender-affirming care is happening in the state, and advocates say it’s saving lives.

Missouri's 2023 ban prohibits providers from giving hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries to Missourians under 18.

Perrin Dowse is a transgender lesbian and spoke about exploring – and accepting her gender identity and expression.

The bill's sponsors say they want to protect children, but those in opposition say the bills hurt more than help.

Cynthia Martin lives in Iberia, Missouri. She’s better known in the roller derby community as “Hulkstress.” She’s a transgender woman that came out later in life – as she approached 40, and says transitioning felt like finally “coming up for air” even though it can be tough at times in a small, rural community.

Macey Hoover is 25-year-old trans man and a dedicated singer. He spoke about beginning the process of medically transitioning and how he’s adapting to his changing voice.

Although a judge last week upheld a 2023 state law banning some gender-transition medical care for minors, Republican lawmakers signaled Monday they aren’t done pushing for laws affecting transgender Missourians.