Transgender youth face unique legal issues and challenges in the fight for equality. NCLR is the only LGBTQ legal organization with a project focused on the little “t” in LGBTQ and has been a leading advocate for the rights of transgender youth. Through litigation and advocacy, NCLR has helped ensure that transgender youth have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

Transgender Youth
Advocacy
Legislation & Policy
TGNC Youth in Confinement Facilities
Nationwide
NCLR received support from the National Prison Rape Elimination Act Resource Center (PRC) to develop a model policy for confinement facilities housing transgender, gender nonconforming and intersex youth. NCLR and the Center for Children’s Law and Policy worked with a diverse group of youth justice stakeholders, including advocates for TGNCI communities, formerly incarcerated young people, facility personnel, and youth justice practitioners from across the country. Together, we produced the model policy which was published by the PRC. Based on the policy, NCLR and the National Juvenile Defender Center created a checklist for juvenile defenders to help juvenile defenders advocate for the safety and well-being of TGNCI youth in secure and non-secure facilities.
Cases & Advocacy
Doe v. Thornbury
Kentucky
In 2023, Kentucky’s legislature passed SB 150, overriding the governor’s veto. The law bans all transgender medical care for minors and puts stiff penalties on medical professionals that provide such care. NCLR, along with the ACLU of Kentucky and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, have brought a case on behalf of trans youth and their parents to block the ban from going into effect.
Resources
Press Release
ACLU of Kentucky, National Center for LGBTQ Rights Respond to Supreme Court Ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti
This morning, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a challenge brought by three transgender adolescents, their families, and a Memphis-based medical provider against a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming hormone therapies for transgender people under 18.
Publications
“All 50”: The Transgender-Inclusive High School Sports and Activities Policy and Education Project
“All 50” is a universal standard model in policy and education for transgender inclusion in K-12 sport and activity associations for all 50 states. It will be based on this single principle—transgender high school students athletes will compete in the gender in which they identify and have a positive sport experience. Download PDF