Navigating Gender-Affirming Care in Texas

Hi friends, it’s Syd here from OutWellness. With everything going on politically, I know things feel uncertain—but information is power. Let’s talk about what gender-affirming services actually are, what’s still accessible in Texas, and what you can do if you or someone you love needs support.

Understanding Gender-Affirming Care

Gender-affirming care is a comprehensive approach to healthcare that affirms and supports an individual’s gender identity. It includes a range of social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions designed to support individuals when their gender identity differs from the one assigned at birth.

Components of Gender-Affirming Care

• Social Transition: Steps like changing a person’s name, pronouns, or appearance. Learn more about social transition support.
• Mental Health Support: Finding a therapist who truly gets what you’re going through can be life-changing. If you’re navigating gender dysphoria, mental health challenges, or just need someone who understands LGBTQ+ experiences, these affirming therapists are here to support you with care, compassion, and expertise:

• • • Max Casero at Prism Integrated Health – Thoughtful, whole-person care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
    • Neathery Falchuk at Ample and Rooted – Warm, inclusive care with a deep commitment to LGBTQ+ well-being.
    • Rosa Alvarez Velez at Restored Embodiment – Healing centered on reclaiming your sense of self and belonging.

• Medical Interventions: These may include puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries. For post-surgery physical therapy tailored to transgender and nonbinary individuals, connect with Dr. Kazia Parsons for expert care and personalized support. For additional medical resources, visit Transgender Map.

Importance of Gender-Affirming Care

Research shows that gender-affirming care significantly improves mental health outcomes for transgender and nonbinary individuals. A 2022 study found that receiving gender-affirming care was linked to a 60% reduction in moderate or severe depression and a 73% reduction in suicidality over a 12-month period.

Current Situation in Texas

The landscape for gender-affirming care in Texas has become increasingly complex due to legislative actions.

For Adults (18+) Despite recent changes, adults in Texas can still access many gender-affirming services:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Available through LGBTQ+ affirming clinics, both in-person and via telehealth. Check out Plume for telehealth HRT services.
• Gender-Affirming Surgeries: Access to gender-affirming surgeries can involve travel and wait times, but quality care is worth the journey. We highly recommend UT Physicians for specialized services. Many of our clients have had exceptional experiences with Dr. Dulin and Dr. Raphael in Fort Worth for top surgery. 
• Mental Health Support: LGBTQ+ affirming therapists continue to provide essential mental health services through platforms like TherapyDen.

For Minors (Under 18) In June 2024, Texas implemented a ban on certain gender-affirming treatments for minors, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy. This has significantly impacted the availability of care for transgender youth in the state.

Options and Resources

For Adults:

• HRT and Primary Care: Finding affirming healthcare is essential. Pride Family Medicine offers low-cost HRT and hormone management, providing compassionate, identity-affirming care tailored to your needs and Resource Center provides low-cost HRT and hormone management. 
• Surgical Treatments: UT Physicians offers various gender-affirming surgeries.
• Mental Health Support: LGBTQ+ specific counseling services are available through Out Youth.

For Minors and Their Families:

• Out-of-State Care: Neighboring states like New Mexico and Colorado offer more supportive environments.
• Community Support: Organizations like the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT) provide advocacy and resources.
• Legal Advocacy: ACLU of Texas actively works to protect LGBTQ+ rights.

Advocacy and Support

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from organizations like Lambda Legal and Human Rights Campaign.
• Support Advocacy Groups: Consider donating to or volunteering with groups like Equality Texas.
• Community Engagement: Attend local LGBTQ+ events and support groups listed on LGBTQ+ Texas Events.

Conclusion

While the current situation in Texas presents challenges, especially for transgender youth, there are still resources and supportive communities working hard to ensure access to care. Stay informed, stay connected, and know that you are not alone. If you need immediate support, reach out to The Trevor Project or Trans Lifeline. Your health, well-being, and identity matter—and there are people ready to support you.