Tomorrow, the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments in United States v. Skrmetti, a case which may have consequences for transgender youth and young adults far beyond the Tennessee’s borders. If upheld, the ban on lifesaving gender-affirming care like hormone therapy and surgery will banish queer, questioning and transgender youth deeper into the shadows, unable to access critical resources, support or care.
This case is not a lone threat. Other legislative acts, like the 2022 book ban that stripped more than 1,100 books from the shelves of school libraries and the 2023 anti-drag law, have systematically curtailed and limited information and support to LGBTQ+ youth in Tennessee.
As the Tennessee state legislature continues to pass such dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ bills, our youth will “endure even more discrimination and fear for their safety,” as warned by Kasey Williamson, a program coordinator at the Oasis Center — Tennessee’s only LGBTQ+ youth crisis center.
To understand these effects first-hand, look no further than Taylor, a young queer person who first joined the Oasis Center because they were struggling with their gender identity. They were persistently bullied and harassed for years at school, resulting in a mental health crisis and hospitalization. The Just Us program became the safe space they needed, and its life-altering services and support were the reason they were able to survive and thrive into young adulthood. Taylor bravely testified before the Tennessee legislature in 2023, sharing their story of top surgery to oppose the ban on gender-affirming care. This is the very same bill that is currently at issue in United States v. Skrmetti.
With the aftermath of the recent election and the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, legislation and litigation, it is all the more critical to be a part of connecting and creating safe spaces for students, whether on campus or in a community. As one of 13,000 students enrolled at Vanderbilt, it can often be difficult to make space and time for collective action. Moreover, it can be a challenge to see the need when living in a seemingly progressive bubble like a college campus, especially when those of us living in cities often take for granted the ease of accessing support when we need it. But for the 40,000 LGBTQ+ youth in Tennessee, most of whom do not live in urban areas, this lack of access is an ever-present issue, and collective action is vital.
Our organization, the Free to Be Youth Project, is believes the key to this collective action can begin by bridging this gap between urban and rural queer advocacy. To that end, we are partnering with the Oasis Center in Nashville to bring support and resources to queer and questioning youth. This partnership begins today on Giving Tuesday — just one day before Skrmetti arguments in the Supreme Court, with an initiative to send gender-affirming care packages that include makeup, toiletries and books with LGBTQ+ representation to youth working with Just Us. It will follow with a monthly virtual book club and interactive Goodreads discussion boards, formats that we intend to make accessible to allow all young people, regardless of location, to participate.
As Vanderbilt and Nashville community members, you can and should go beyond the Vanderbubble. You can tangibly assist our efforts by sharing information about the partnership, sponsoring care packages or getting involved with the virtual book club. Beyond Giving Tuesday, we know that the road ahead will be long and difficult for queer and questioning youth in Tennessee and beyond. Don’t let that deter you — continue to engage with these issues and consider volunteering with community partners dedicated to supporting queer youth.
For those that feel like they don’t have the time or energy to give, try starting with smaller steps like looking out for those around you. Our shared duty encompasses tasks as seemingly inconsequential as correcting offensive jokes made by friends and family which present excellent opportunities for education. It also means active participation in local politics where anti-LGBTQ+ laws come to pass. Every story shared at a school board and state legislative meeting is one step closer toward equal rights and justice for queer and trans youth. Your values have power, too: support LGBTQ+-friendly businesses while boycotting those who discriminate.
And when the going gets tough, celebrate. Laughter, love and connection are the antidotes to oppression. The days when change feels like it will never come, and you feel especially small are when you lean upon your community for strength. Pop in to see the friendly faces at the K.C. Potter Center; stay awhile for their Friday lunches or attend an affinity group meeting. By celebrating your existence on campus, you not only own your identity but also uplift those of others. Together, we can fuel the fire of activism.
