For the last two years, Koen has routinely self-administered weekly testosterone injections without a second thought.

During that time, the trans 17-year-old said his self-image and school and family life has drastically improved. His fear of needles, too, has faded.

“[Transitioning] made me look forward to things more because now I can start paying attention to the better version of myself,” said Koen, who asked to be identified by his first name because of fears for his safety. “It’s something I feel like I’ve needed for a while. I’m able to express myself more fluidly and feel comfortable doing that, which I think is a very big step for me right now.”

At the start of the year, though, a greater worry emerged.

A new law banning gender-affirming care for minors in Louisiana took effect on Jan. 1 prohibiting puberty blockers, hormone treatment, and gender-reaffirming surgery. Now, Koen isn’t sure he could continue his hormone treatment.

Louisiana is one of 22 other states that have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for minors, disrupting health care needs for trans and nonbinary people.

  • lolcatnip@reddthat.com
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    9 months ago

    Lots of doctors disagree with you. I think I’ll go with their opinions over those of some uninformed internet rando who decides things based on feelings.

    • thoughtorgan@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      The same doctors that started the opioid epidemic because they were in big pharmas pocket?

      I wonder how much the hormone manufacturers are making.

      • yuriy@lemmy.world
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        9 months ago

        ohh, you’re a conspiracy theorist!

        god, that explains everything. you should’ve opened with the big-hormone shit, we could’ve all just had a big laugh.