Marissa Gonzales, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), stated that at least three reports have been filed against the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). These reports were based on gender-affirming treatment for minors. The 19thAnswer to a records demand
After Attorney General Ken Paxton had issued a directive, the reports were made. nonbinding legal opinionFebruary 18, 2018, stating that transgender medical treatment for minors, including hormone treatment and puberty blockers, is child abuse. Greg Abbott told DFPSParents of trans children should be investigated. Abbott directed other state agencies, including the FBI, to investigate licensed medical facilities that provide gender-affirming treatment for trans children. He also instructed them to report instances where trans kids have received such care.
The American Civil Liberties Union & Lambda Legal on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Abbott and the state’s child welfare agency to halt investigations into parents seeking gender-affirming care for their children.
According to a news release, the ACLU stated that the lawsuit was filed by a DFPS employee for the benefit of a 16-year old transgender daughter. The family alleges in the lawsuit that an investigator arrived at their home last Friday to interview the family and that the investigator asked for the teen’s medical records.
DFPS has received at least three reports claiming abuse or neglect based upon gender-affirming care of minors. The agency declined comment on these reports Further, as well on the ACLU/Lawsuit against Lambda Legal, and has not yet replied to additional records requests.
Ian Pittman, a Texas-based family lawyer, stated that he represented two families under investigation by DFPS and knew at least three other families in the state.
“One of my clients who I was actually in the investigation with was crying uncontrollably because she is living every parent’s worst nightmare: that the state is somehow going to put themselves between them and their child for being a normal, good parent,” Pittman said.
Gender-affirming child care is not controversial in the medical profession. All major medical associations, including the American Medical Association (AMA), support gender-affirming care for children. American Psychological AssociationAmerican Academy of Pediatrics supports gender affirming care, citing evidence that such care is effective. reduces suicidality and depression in youth.
Multiple parents of trans children spoke out The 19thThey had begun gathering testimony from family and friends in preparation for a lawsuit. Many parents had spoken to media in recent week but declined to be interviewed. The 19thThey were afraid that it would draw attention to their family. As she repeated her inability to speak, a mother cried on the phone.
“It’s as bad as it’s ever been,” said Angela Hale, a spokesperson for Equality Texas. “We have fended all of this off for a decade.”
Hale stated that Child Protective Services has been visiting the schools and homes of a few transgender children in the state.
Shannon Minter, legal head of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, (NCLR), has represented LGBTQ+ rights cases for almost 30 years. The 19thFamilies of trans children in Texas need an attorney who can represent them.
“Do not wait until you’re investigated or you learn that you are being investigated,” he said. He advised families to contact the NCLR helpline, Lambda Legal, or the ACLU of Texas. Minter also advised parents that their children should tell their parents if they are approached at school by a state official who wants to discuss transgender issues.
District attorneys representingFive populous Texas counties — Dallas, Travis, Bexar, Nueces and Fort Bend — announced last week that they would not enforce Paxton’s legal interpretation or interfere with families pursuing gender-affirming care for their children. The Texas Pediatric Society, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Texas Pediatric Society came out in support of Paxton’s legal interpretation. strong opposition to Paxton’s announcement.
Minter, who grew up as a trans kid in East Texas and still lives in the area, said Paxton’s legal opinion and Abbott’s directive for DFPS to enforce it are “the worst anti-LGBTQ thing I have seen in my career.”
He is concerned about the possibility that the order could increase feelings of hopelessness or suicidality among trans young people, who already face such a problem. dispropriate ratesSuicide anxiety and depressionCompare their peers. Trans youth and their families have been reaching out to Trevor Project, a LGBTQ+ suicide prevention organization, since last week. CEO Amit PaleyStatement.
Adri Pérez, policy and advocacy strategist at the ACLU of Texas, said they are worried about transgender youth in the state being taken out of supportive and loving homes.
“I’m worried that the Department of Family and Protective Services is going to cause irreparable harm to trans families across Texas by exploiting their lack of familiarity with the system,” they said.
The state legislature rejected last year a bill that would have criminalized gender-affirming youth care. Federal protections for trans Americans will likely replace the Texas opinion.
Tuesday is Texas primary day and both Abbott and Paxton will be up for reelection. Abbott has been polling well ahead of the challengers, but Paxton has been accused of abuse of office by former employees and also has been charged for securities fraud. This race is likely to go to a runoff. Advocates interpreted Paxton’s February opinion as an attempt to energize his supporters.
Advocates are now watching to see if Biden’s administration will intervene.
