Transgender Health

At the heart of Democrats and Republicans' debate on the legislation was a disagreement over what the research on gender-affirming care concludes.

Accessing gender-affirming health care for transgender minors and participating on sports teams that align with trans athletes' gender identity are currently prohibited in Missouri. Those bans are set to expire in 2027, unless the state legislature opts to extend them indefinitely.

Plaintiffs had argued the prohibition violates the equal protection and due process clauses of the Missouri Constitution.

Nick Nack is transgender man who underwent top surgery. He spoke a little about the process and about the happiness and euphoria he now feels.

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.