A majority of conservative justices has delivered a devastating blow to transgender youth and their families by upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti allows SB1, which is a law that categorically prohibits hormone therapies for trans youth, to take effect. The decision gives legal cover to 25 additional states that have enacted similar bans and signals the Court’s refusal to protect the fundamental rights of trans people to make decisions about their own bodies.
Here in New Mexico, we are fortunate and grateful for generations of movement leaders who have ensured that shield laws are in place protecting against bans like Skrmetti. Trans New Mexican youth and their parents do not need to worry about this ruling impacting their access to gender-affirming care.
However, the Skrmetti ruling calls on us to be vigilant in safeguarding these policies. We must also prepare to embrace people around the country who are impacted by bans. This ruling sets a cruel and dangerous precedent. It threatens the safety of children by going against evidence-based medical research. It puts families in impossible situations. It sends a message that transgender people do not deserve the freedom to thrive.
EQNM will continue the fight for protections for LGBTQ New Mexicans, and safeguard New Mexico’s place as the safest state for queer and trans folx. Here’s what you need to know about the ruling and how you can fight with us.
What the Court Said and Why It’s Wrong
U.S. v. Skrmetti originated in 2023 after families in Tennessee sued the state over SB1, a law that bans gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender minors. The core legal question was whether this ban violates the Equal Protection Clause by discriminating based on sex and transgender status. On June 17, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 to uphold the law, agreeing with the Sixth Circuit that the ban does not constitute sex-based discrimination and therefore only requires minimal judicial scrutiny. This means the law can remain in effect and similar bans in other states are now legally reinforced.
The decision was based in politics, not medical fact. All major medical associations support gender-affirming care. Gender-affirming care is evidence-based, life-saving medical treatment, and these bans are discriminatory.
We all want what’s best for our children. Families with transgender youth are no different. They have spent years working with their doctors, therapists, and communities to support their kids. These decisions are not taken lightly. They are made with love, care, and courage. The government has no place interfering.
As a coalition of organizations in New Mexico, EQNM joined the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, ACLU of New Mexico, and Bold Futures in issuing a joint statement:
What This Means for You
If You Live in New Mexico
You are still protected. Our state affirms your right to access gender-affirming care, including for youth. Whether you’re a transgender young person, a parent, or a provider, here’s what you need to know:
This ruling does not override New Mexico law.
Gender-affirming care remains legal and protected in our state.
You can continue to access puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and other medically endorsed care.
For Parents of Trans Youth in New Mexico
You are not alone — and your parental rights remain intact.
You still have the legal right to support your child’s access to medically appropriate, gender-affirming care.
You do not need to fear prosecution or legal interference for affirming your child’s identity.
You are part of a state and a community that trusts you to know what’s best for your family.
We know this ruling is frightening, especially for those raising transgender kids. But you are not powerless. You are not without support. We will continue to fight alongside you to keep your children safe, healthy, and whole.
If You Have Impacted Friends or Family in Other States
Twenty-five states now have the legal backing to enforce bans on gender-affirming care for minors. Families in those states may be facing impossible decisions to delay or forgo care, relocate, or risk criminalization.
We encourage you to:
Use this map to see which states have bans in effect.
Check in on your loved ones in affected states.
Share affirming resources available in New Mexico.
If you’re in a position to offer housing, transport, or other solidarity to trans people fleeing hostile policies, this is the time.
Learn more and take action:
Visit Lambda Legal and ACLU to stay updated on U.S. v. Skrmetti and what’s at stake for trans youth.
You’re Not Alone, and We’re Not Done
Even with our strong protections in New Mexico, news like the Skrmetti decision shakes queer and trans people because we know the newly-elected federal government and other interest groups are just beginning their plans to escalate attacks on our community. Members of the EQNM staff feel very personally what’s at stake, even if it hasn’t reached us here yet.
“When I was 13 years old and I didn't have access to gender affirming care, I almost took my life,” says Hazel Valente-Compton, our Community Engagement Strategist. “At 14, I finally got access to GAC, and it allowed me to grow from a scared trans child into a beautiful trans adult. For so many young trans people, the future seems hopeless. Being a young trans person has always meant putting my life in the hands of adults who have no right to speak for me. The Supreme Court has just killed thousands of kids like me.”
Our Development and Engagement Strategist, Gauge Burnett, feels heartbroken for trans youth around the country.
“When I was a teenager, I didn't have the language to describe myself as trans,” he said. “I made so many dangerous decisions trying to get comfortable in my own skin. I didn't know how to celebrate the joy of being me. Now, trans youth have had that knowledge and access and community through their transitions. I can't begin to understand the heartbreak of holding that joy in your hands and watching it disappear with the stroke of pen held by someone who will never see the pain they've caused.”
Gauge Burnett, EQNM
No matter what a court says, we want trans youth here in New Mexico and everywhere to know that they’re part of a broader community that sees them, is standing with them, and will show up everywhere these kinds of attacks take place to fight back.
Most importantly, we won’t let anyone steal our joy with the stroke of a pen or otherwise. Our community celebrates trans youth. EQNM supports them in living their fullest, best lives with the confidence that we will never stop building political momentum to secure, defend and expand protections.