Pittsburgh’s queer community is rallying once again, this time in the wake of a devastating U.S. Supreme Court decision that upholds Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors, and in response to quiet but deeply alarming moves by local healthcare giants to restrict care for trans youth right here at home.
In a ruling issued Tuesday morning, the Supreme Court sided with Tennessee in U.S. v. Skrmetti, allowing the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors to stand. The decision is expected to complicate legal challenges against similar bans in nearly 30 other states, even as advocates vow to continue fighting in court and in the streets.
While Pennsylvania does not have a statewide ban on gender-affirming care, advocates say the chilling effect is already hitting local families. TransYOUniting, a Pittsburgh-based trans-led organization, has been sounding the alarm that UPMC, the region’s largest healthcare system, has quietly begun terminating access to care for all trans patients under 19 years old. Individuals 18 years of age and older are legal adults.
“This decision is unlawful and violates Pennsylvania’s non-discrimination laws,” said Dena Stanley, Executive Director of TransYOUniting. “UPMC’s decision to quietly strip care from trans youth, including adults, is violent. It is strategic. And it is unacceptable. This rally is not just about protest, it is the beginning of a long fight to restore what is being taken from our youth.”
TransYOUniting is mobilizing the community for a public rally on Sunday, June 29 at 3 PM outside UPMC Headquarters in Pittsburgh. The demonstration kicks off a sustained campaign to pressure UPMC leadership, engage lawmakers, and educate the public on how to protect care for trans young people in Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Youth Congress (PYC) convened an emergency statewide meeting just hours after the Supreme Court decision was announced. PYC, which facilitates the Pennsylvania Coalition of LGBTQ+ Organizations and the statewide Parent Warriors network, urged families and allies to stay vigilant.
While UPMC’s rollback has grabbed headlines locally, PYC says they’ve received reports that Penn State Health and Penn Medicine have also cut care for some trans youth this year. Preston Heldibridle, PYC’s Executive Director, delivered a direct message to trans youth in Pennsylvania:
“You are loved. Your life is absolutely worth living. We are here for you, as are so many wonderful people you may know and have yet to meet. Together we will succeed in the fight to keep Pennsylvania a commonwealth which provides access to gender-affirming care. No court has the power to redefine our dignity as human beings. That has never worked before. We are not going anywhere — not today, not ever.”
Community leaders are urging Pennsylvanians to take action by contacting Governor Josh Shapiro here to demand stronger protections for LGBTQ+ healthcare.
“If you care, show up. If you believe in justice, get involved. Our kids deserve more than silence, they deserve action,” said Stanley.
