Support for trans youth in West Tennessee given by the ELCA Synod following Supreme Court decision denying access to gender-affirming care
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling upholding a Tennessee ban on providing gender-affirming medical care for trans and nonbinary minors, several religious groups have expressed their support for the transgender community.
The Episcopal Church, through TransEpiscopal, a group advocating for inclusive church policies toward transgender people, has called on Episcopalians to stand with them. In a statement, TransEpiscopal referred to their struggle as a battle against "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places," expressing confidence that Jesus' risen life is being made visible in their bodies.
Similarly, the Diocese of West Tennessee and the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have released a pastoral letter expressing their commitment to support transgender youth and their families. They have publicly identified organizations that provide resources to trans communities as their supporters, though the specific names of these organizations are not detailed.
The diocese and synod expressed their support for transgender, gender non-binary, and gender fluid individuals, stating they see them, love them, and are with them. They have committed to pray for trans youth, work to understand inclusivity, support organizations for trans people, and proclaim God's love for all.
The Lutheran Church of the Reformation held a gender-affirming care rally on June 18, 2025, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling. The leaders of the diocese and synod reminded that God's justice is not bound by human institutions or court decisions.
Independent studies conducted by professional medical organizations find that access to gender-affirming care improves the mental health of trans and nonbinary youth, reducing depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The report indicates that young LGBTQ+ people who live in "very accepting" communities attempt suicide at less than half the rate of those who live in "very unaccepting" communities.
However, the Supreme Court ruling could potentially lead to bans on other forms of health care, like birth control, in vitro fertilization, or vaccines. The Trevor Project's report also shows that 45% of trans and nonbinary people or their families have considered moving to a different state due to LGBTQ+-related politics and legislation.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee and other legal groups sued the state on behalf of a Nashville couple and their 15-year-old trans daughter, among others. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision in the case of U.S. v. Skrmetti, upholding Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. This ruling now permits similar bans in 25 other states.
According to The Trevor Project, 90% of young LGBTQ+ people reported that recent politics have negatively impacted their well-being. Worryingly, an estimated 39.4% of trans youth live in states where similar bans are now possible. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will no longer offer LGBTQ+ youth-specific services.
Shireen Korkzan, a reporter and assistant editor for our website, can be reached at [email protected] for more information.
