Action Center

Across the national policy landscape, many often focus on highly impactful decisions from the U.S. House and Senate and the Federal Administration and their effects on marginalized communities. Also at the center of policy impacts, through the judicial process, are the cases heard and decisions issued by the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS). At Vibrant Emotional Health, many of the communities we seek to serve through programs like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline feel the impacts of public policy decisions, highlighting the necessity to shine a spotlight on relevant issues.

In the recent case, United States v. Skrmetti, SCOTUS heard oral arguments on whether Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1, which prohibits gender-affirming care for transgender minors, violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Tennessee SB 1, which is among the laws in 23 other states that ban medical care for transgender youth, prohibits medical professionals from prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy and performing gender-affirming surgery. SB 1 permits the same medical care for other purposes, and the petitioners question the ban’s constitutionality based on sex.

The Biden Administration and petitioners suggest that SB 1 be subjected to heightened scrutiny because transgender individuals are a “quasi-suspect” class, meaning those subject to a higher level of review under the Equal Protection Clause. As such, the federal government highlights that “[t]ransgender individuals have historically been and continue to be subject to discrimination; transgender status bears no relation to a person’s ability to contribute to society; transgender individuals are a discrete and identifiable minority; and transgender individuals have not been able to meaningfully vindicate their rights through the political process in much of the country.”

Vibrant’s mission is to help all people achieve mental and emotional well-being through groundbreaking solutions that deliver high-quality support, when, where, and how they need it.. Below, we highlight the mental health implications this monumental case may have for the LGBTQ+ community and the families that we serve.

Mental Health Implications for the LGBTQ+ Community

As a leading mental health non-profit organization, Vibrant Emotional Health is deeply committed to addressing the mental health needs of transgendered youth and the broader LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the unique challenges they face.

Despite significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights, discrimination persists in various forms. These experiences can take a toll on mental health, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide within the community.

Additionally, LGBTQ+ individuals sometimes face rejection and estrangement from family members and communities due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. This sense of isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and inadequacy, further compromising emotional well-being. According to a report from the Trevor Project, 12% of LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide in 2024:

Marginalization and Stigmatization: As more states introduce, debate, and enact legislation banning gender-affirming care for LGBTQ+ youth, the stigma surrounding this community continues to grow. As these discriminatory discourses continue to spread, LGBTQ+ youth may isolate themselves more out of fear of facing discrimination, adversely impacting their mental health.
Increased Psychological Distress: Limiting access to medical treatments that major medical organizations recognize as essential can result in psychological and emotional harm. Denying access to gender-affirming care can exacerbate feelings of dysphoria, leading to heightened anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among transgender individuals.
Impact on Families: Families supporting transgender youth may face increased stress and challenges in accessing necessary care, affecting the overall family dynamic and mental health.

The eyes of many individuals, families, and state governments will be on this case. The Supreme Court's decision in this case will not only determine the constitutionality of Tennessee's law but also set a precedent that could influence the mental health and rights of transgender individuals across the nation.