MOREHEAD, Ky. — Senate Bill 150 has been a point of concern for LGBTQ+ advocates and several people in the community. 

The ACLU of Kentucky and the National Center for Lesbian Rights made a motion for a preliminary injunction to block the section of the bill that bans gender transition services for trans youth. Last Wednesday, a Kentucky judge granted that motion, which will protect what advocates say is “necessary medical care.”

What You Need To Know

  • Senate Bill 150 has a provision that bans gender transition services for minors. LGBTQ advocates have been concerned for trans youth in the state as a result of the bill passing

  • The ACLU of Kentucky and the National Center for Lesbian Rights filed a motion in May to block the ban on gender transition services

  • A federal judge granted the motion, which temporarily protects gender transition services for trans youth in the state

  • Parents and trans kids in Kentucky expressed relief for the judge’s ruling

Mae Koger is among those who are affected by SB 150.

“Whenever I came out there was already an immediate change where I felt more open,” said Koger. “I was a little less depressed because I was like… it finally clicked for me.”

Her family considered moving out of the state after the bill passed, so they were relieved when the judge temporarily blocked the ban on gender transition services.

“I was very excited because, I mean obviously, that removes a lot of struggles for me,” said Koger.

“We feel a lot more safe, secure, and just the fact that Mae has access to that medical care, it’s literally a lifesaver for her,” said Shantee Lamarr, Koger’s mother.

While Lamarr is happy with the news, she knows that the fight is not over.

“I’m looking forward to having the final judgment so that we can actually have that sense of safety and security,” said Lamarr. “I feel like as long as it’s in limbo, the future of these kids isn’t really certain.”

The motion to block the provision in SB 150 that would ban gender transition services was filed back in May.

“The injunction is temporary, only in that it is enforced while the case is open, while the case is being resolved,” said Angela Cooper, the communications director for the ACLU of Kentucky. “So for as long as we argue the case, the injunction will remain unless it gets granted an appeal which, of course, the attorney general has already filed for.”

Now, trans youth will still have access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy.

“We’re extremely pleased with the judge’s decision to grant our preliminary injunction,” said Cooper.

The ACLU of Kentucky says that it will continue to fight for trans youth with this case and beyond.

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