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
D.T. v. Christ
Arizona
Plaintiffs D.T., Jane Doe, and Helen Roe are transgender children who unable to correct the gender markers on their birth certificates because of Arizona’s discriminatory laws. Arizona requires transgender people to undergo surgery to obtain a birth certificate that matches who they are.
Resources
Press Release
Judge Halts Alabama Law Criminalizing Parents for Obtaining Essential Medical Care for their Transgender Children
May 14, 2022. An Alabama federal district court judge has issued a ruling blocking enforcement of Alabama SB 184while a legal challenge to the law proceeds. SB 184 criminalizes parents who seek to get essential medical care for their transgender children’s needs. It provides up to 10 years in prison as penalty for anyone, including doctors and parents, who assists in getting the care these young people need.
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