Approximately 250 demonstrators gathered at Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago on Saturday afternoon to protest a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that upholds a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming medical care for minors.
The ruling allows Tennessee to maintain restrictions on treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and other medical interventions designed to support gender transition in youths under the age of 18. The decision has drawn widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and healthcare professionals, who argue that it compromises medical best practices and endangers the well-being of transgender and non-binary youth.
Protesters at Saturday’s rally voiced particular concern about the court’s rationale, noting that part of the legal argument in favor of the ban rested on the ongoing availability of conversion therapy—an approach widely discredited by major medical associations for its harm and ineffectiveness.
Speakers at the event included local activists, healthcare professionals, and members of the transgender community, who emphasized the importance of access to evidence-based medical care and decried the ruling as a regression in civil rights. Many attendees carried signs advocating for trans rights and condemning the court’s decision.
The rally was part of a broader national response from LGBTQ+ organizations and allies, calling attention to proposed or enacted restrictions on gender-affirming care in multiple states. Advocates warn that such laws not only limit access to critical healthcare services but also contribute to stigmatization and mental health challenges among trans youth.
Organizers of the Chicago protest vowed to continue fighting for legislative protections and inclusive healthcare policies, affirming their commitment to the rights and dignity of all transgender individuals.
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