Transgender rights & well-being

Person happily holding a trans pride flag

Maryland to cover unprecedented number of gender-affirming procedures in “groundbreaking” win

By Peter Schulte / January 11, 2024

A new law in Maryland requires Medicaid to cover “medically necessary” gender-affirming care for residents — including care well beyond hormones or surgery. The law went into effect on January 1. It requires coverage for “gender-affirming treatment in a nondiscriminatory manner.” Gender-affirming care is considered safe and essential to the well-being of trans people by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and other major U.S. and world health organizations.

The Vatican says transgender people can be baptized

By Peter Schulte / November 9, 2023

The Vatican, which leads the Catholic Church, has said that transgender people and people in same-sex relationships can be baptized and serve as witnesses at weddings, and trans people can also be godparents as well.

Japan’s Supreme Court strikes down sterilization requirement for trans people

By Peter Schulte / October 25, 2023

In its decision, the court said that the requirement forces trans people to make the “cruel choice between accepting the sterilization surgery that causes intense bodily invasion and giving up important legal benefits of being treated according to their gender identity.”

Ithaca, New York declares itself a safe haven for trans people

By Peter Schulte / September 15, 2023

The city’s Common Council unanimously approved a bill to emphasize existing anti-discrimination laws and protect access to gender-affirming care.
It also said the city would not work with out-of-state law enforcement officials looking to punish those who traveled to New York to receive legal healthcare.

Japanese Supreme Court rules in favor of trans employee in landmark bathroom case

By Peter Schulte / July 11, 2023

The unanimous ruling came after a 50-something trans woman – who chose to remain anonymous – sued the Economy and Trade Ministry for relegating her to the men’s restroom or a women’s bathroom two floors away.

Seth Marnin makes history as U.S.’s first out trans male judge

By Peter Schulte / June 11, 2023

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has appointed the state’s first out transgender judge and the nation’s first trans man ever to serve on a judicial bench.

Mexico adds nonbinary option to passports

By Peter Schulte / June 1, 2023

Nonbinary Mexicans now have the option to select “X” as their gender marker, rather than male or female. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard called the move “a great leap for the freedom and dignity of people.”

Kansas City declares itself a “sanctuary city” for transgender people

By Peter Schulte / May 18, 2023

The move comes in response to the state’s Republican-led legislature passing two bills aimed at limiting the rights of transgender Missourians.

Maryland passes bill protecting gender-affirming care access for trans people on Medicaid

By Peter Schulte / May 5, 2023

“While other states are dead set on ripping away reproductive rights and attempting to erase the existence of trans and nonbinary individuals, we’re doing the opposite: We’re making Maryland a state that is welcoming, inclusive, and that safeguards the rights of all people.”

New Jersey governor protects trans youth seeking health care with executive order

By Peter Schulte / April 18, 2023

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order preventing people in the state from being extradited for providing, receiving, or facilitating gender-affirming care.