WASHINGTON, D.C.— Relman Colfax, a national civil rights law firm dedicated to combating discrimination and achieving equity, is proud to announce the release of an essential and timely resource to commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). This newly created explainer empowers transgender individuals, their families and allies, medical professionals, state government officials, and advocacy groups by providing critical information on state anti-discrimination laws and access to gender-affirming care in the face of recent federal challenges.
This resource addresses the implications of two recent executive orders issued by the Trump Administration that threaten federal funding for hospitals and medical clinics providing gender-affirming care to transgender children and young adults. Since the orders were issued, several healthcare providers have reduced or halted their gender-affirming care services due to fears of federal repercussions. In response, many Democratic Attorneys General have reiterated that state laws protect access to such care and remain enforceable and binding, despite the executive orders.
Recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by patients and providers navigating this shifting federal landscape, Relman Colfax created the explainer to provide resources and helpful context. It includes:
- An overview of state laws protecting transgender individuals' access to gender-affirming care in the 18 states whose Attorneys General have recently made public statements or taken legal action in support of these rights, complete with an appendix outlining those laws.
- Contextual analysis of how state laws interact with the federal executive orders and the legal basis for providers' continued obligations to deliver gender-affirming care under these state protections.
"We believe that awareness and understanding of these laws is critical," said Alexa Milton, Attorney at Relman Colfax. "Despite the Administration’s efforts to sow fear and confusion, the trans community remains protected under state law in many states. Ensuring these rights are both known and respected is a shared responsibility. This includes the medical community, state officials, and advocates working tirelessly on the ground."
Relman Colfax has a longstanding commitment to advocating for the transgender community. The firm has been privileged to represent transgender clients in landmark civil rights cases, including Flack v. Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which successfully challenged Wisconsin's denial of gender-affirming care under Medicaid, and Whitaker v. Kenosha Unified School District, which protected transgender students’ rights to be treated with dignity and use facilities aligning with their gender identity.
"Our hope is that this resource will empower everyone with the knowledge needed to defend the rights of the transgender community," said Rebecca Livengood, Partner at Relman Colfax. "By equipping those on the frontlines with accurate information, we aim to support continued access to life-saving, affirming care."
The explainer is available for download and is encouraged to be widely shared. Authored by Rebecca Livengood, Alexa Milton, and Megan Russo, this resource underscores Relman Colfax’s unwavering dedication to upholding the civil rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
For more information or to download the explainer, visit our website.