Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness What the Supreme Court Decision on U.S. v. Skrmetti Really Means with Chase Strangio
Jun 23, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Chase Strangio, Co-Director of the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project and a trailblazer as the first openly trans lawyer to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court, discusses the profound implications of the recent ruling on U.S. v. Skrmetti. He highlights the detrimental effects of Tennessee's gender-affirming care ban on trans youth and the rising tide of gender policing in schools. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity for ongoing advocacy, community support, and resilience to combat discrimination in the wake of legal setbacks.
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Court Upholds Tennessee Ban
- The Supreme Court ruled to allow Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth under 18 to stand.
- This means no access to care in Tennessee for the last two years and continuing barriers for families.
Medical vs. Social Gender Transition
- The court distinguishes medical gender-affirming treatment from social gender expression like haircuts or clothing.
- Social gender transitions face increasing legislative attacks but the court applies a stricter scrutiny to bans on social transitions.
Bostock Still Protects LGBTQ Rights
- The court reaffirmed that anti-LGBTQ discrimination is sex discrimination under Bostock, preserving protections in many areas.
- This ruling limits bans only on medical care, leaving other discrimination challenges possible in court.