Transgender Health

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.

Mike is a 15-year-old transgender high schooler. He spoke about his relationship with his mom and about some of his hopes for the future.

Monday marked the start of week two of Noe v. Parson, a trial to repeal Senate Bill 49, which bans gender-affirming surgeries and cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs for minors. Jamie Reed was the first witness called in by the state to testify.

The settlement will remain sealed for privacy reasons.