FAQs for Parents Seeking Gender-Affirming Care for Their Children
Produced by the
HRC Foundation
Written by people who understand what you're going through and know what it's like to fight for your child's health and happiness - inside this guide you'll find concrete steps, trusted resources, and hopeful reminders that you're not alone.
If you're reading this, it's likely because your family is facing uncertainty, fear, or heartbreak. In recent weeks, many hospitals and clinics across the country have been forced to shut down gender-affirming care services for youth due to political pressure and dangerous executive orders. These closures have left families scrambling and young people in limbo, uncertain of how or where to continue receiving the care they need and deserve.
This guide is for you. It’s written by people who understand what you're going through, who know what it's like to fight for your child's health and happiness in a world that too often treats their identity as a threat. Inside, you'll find concrete steps, trusted resources, and hopeful reminders that you're not alone. Your love, your advocacy, and your persistence can still move mountains.
--Ask your current provider for a copy of your child’s full medical records, including diagnosis letters, hormone prescriptions, and prior bloodwork.
--Request a letter of medical necessity for continuation of care.
--Inquire whether they can refer you to a new provider (even if out-of-state)
--Yes, although access is limited. Some private practices and telehealth providers are continuing to prescribe puberty blockers and hormone therapy.
--Check LGBTQ+ affirming care directories such as:
TransHealthCare.org
Plume (for teens 16+ in some states)
QueerDoc
QueerMed
LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory
--Some states have passed "safe state" laws that allow youth from other states to receive care without fear of legal retaliation. Examples include California, New York, Minnesota, and Washington.
--Telehealth options may allow you to access providers in these states even if you don’t live there, depending on provider licensing.
--In some cases, U.S. residents are allowed to import a 90-day supply of prescription medication for personal use. However, this is a gray legal area and should be done cautiously.
--Consult with an attorney or advocacy group like Lambda Legal for state-specific advice.
--Use only reputable international pharmacies verified by sites like PharmacyChecker.com.
--Work with a provider to safely taper medications rather than stopping abruptly.
--Talk with a mental health provider to support your child through possible dysphoria or distress.
--Explore affirming alternatives such as: menstrual suppression using birth control, use of binders, gaffs, voice training apps, and affirming clothes.
--A copy of:
Your child’s diagnosis and treatment history.
Any letters of medical necessity.
Prescriptions and lab results.
Provider contact information.
--A list of medications, dosages, and refill schedules
Legal & Policy:
Lambda Legal
ACLU LGBTQ+ Rights Project
Transgender Law Center
Healthcare Navigation:
GLMA (healthcare directory)
The GenderGP (international resource)
OutCare Health
Emergency Support:
Campaign for Southern Equality — Trans Youth Emergency Project
Community & Emotional Support:
PFLAG
Gender Spectrum
Trans Families
TrevorSpace (for youth peer support)
--Sign up for alerts from:
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Network (PTEN)
Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE)
Your state’s LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations
--Attend virtual town halls and webinars to connect with other families.
--Share your story with local or national media when safe and appropriate. HRC’s PTEN offers storytelling and media training — be sure to join the Network for support and guidance, especially in today’s politically hostile environment.
--Ask your provider to write a detailed letter of medical necessity.
--ile an appeal with your insurance company.
--Seek help from legal advocacy groups or patient advocate services to navigate denials. TransFamilies Support Services is one such organization.
--Join local or national parent groups through PFLAG or Facebook communities.
--Participate in mutual aid groups offering travel funds, medication assistance, or appointment help.
--Share resources and provider recommendations confidentially within trusted networks.
The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the
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that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission
to support the LGBTQ+ community.
- Topics:
- LGBTQ+ Youth
- For Parents
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