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.

  • Crikeste
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    10 months ago

    Typical centrist idiot halting all progress because they think their thoughts are so profound.

    Are you a trans person? No? Quit telling them how they should treat themselves, you empathy lacking dumb ass.

    It’s none of your fucking business.

    • thoughtorgan@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      I don’t need to be trans to have an opinion.

      I’m also on the left. Not everybody who disagrees with you falls into the political category you don’t like

      • yuriy@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        Your opinion screams of a lack of understanding, and your manner belies an unwillingness to even hear contrary information.

        Don’t be surprised when people refuse to engage with you in this punji pit you’ve constructed around a boxing ring.