HB 68--the gender affirming care ban and trans athlete ban--is now law in Ohio. It was effective immediately as the judge lifted the restraining order and in his judgment, explained that if people were upset about the law, they should vote instead of going through the judicial system. I guess this is our current reality with partisan judgeships.
The stories are harrowing--this law is already wreaking havoc on the lives of children and families. Nurses who can't call in prescription refills. Appointments suddenly canceled. Parents calling their clinic begging for information, and all the staff can say is "I can't provide that for you. I'm so sorry." Young kids who are being outed when school administrators remove them from their sports teams. (For many, their classmates didn't even know they were trans, until now.) Heartless.
When I launched Grace Changes Things, my goal was to create a safe space where credible information and resources could be found. Now it feels like a very heavy lift as our doctors, nurses and social workers have been bound and gagged by Republican lawmakers, leaving families to navigate this hostile terrain on their own.
I will do my best to keep our website updated with as much useful information as possible. But I may need your help. If you have personal experience with a helpful resource, please let us know by emailing info@gracechangesthings.com.
Yesterday, I added information about where to find gender clinics outside of Ohio, as well as other contacts for therapy and gender-affirming surgery (this information is provided for our loved ones 18+ as gender surgery for minors is illegal in Ohio).
Visit https://www.gracechangesthings.com/genderaffirmingcare for information, and know that this is provided only as a starting point--it's not a blanket recommendation for these practitioners and therapists. I strongly encourage you to do your own research to find the care that's right for you.
Despite what Republicans believe--these laws aren't going to erase trans people. I am just one of many, many allies out here offering advice, information, support, love and even transportation if you need it. You aren't alone. We're here for you.