Former President Trump reignited a debate during his recent State of the Union appearance, alleging that schools are “transitioning” children without parental consent. He cited the case of Sage Blair, a Virginia teen who sued her school district over alleged attempts to socially transition her without her mother’s knowledge. Trump framed this as a widespread issue, calling for an immediate nationwide ban on such practices.
The Core of the Claim: Social Transitioning
Trump’s statements refer to what’s known as “social transitioning,” a process where young people explore aligning their presentation with their gender identity. This can involve changes in pronouns, names, clothing, and hairstyle. While not a medical intervention, it’s often a preliminary step for those seeking further gender-affirming care. Studies, like one published in Pediatrics, indicate that the vast majority (94%) of young people who socially transition continue to identify as transgender over a five-year period.
The Political Shift: Restricting Trans Youth Rights
Since 2021, the U.S. has seen an unprecedented surge in legislation targeting transgender youth. Over 150 bills were introduced in nearly 40 states, leading to restrictions on gender-affirming care, bathroom access, and even pronoun usage in schools. Today, over half (56%) of transgender youth aged 13–17—roughly 382,800 young people—live in states with such limitations.
In 2025, Trump issued an executive order that sought to block the recognition of students’ gender identities, potentially opening school staff to legal action for support. This followed a Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Skrmetti (6-3) that upheld state bans on gender-affirming care for minors.
What is Gender-Affirming Care?
Gender-affirming care encompasses a range of services designed to support individuals in aligning their physical and social presentation with their gender identity. These services include mental health counseling, hormone therapy (HRT), puberty blockers, and, in rare cases for minors, gender-affirming surgeries. Major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have historically supported this care, though some organizations have advised caution regarding surgeries until adulthood.
Forced Outings: A Growing Trend
Alongside restrictions on medical care, a growing number of states are enacting “forced outing” laws. These laws require school staff to disclose a student’s transgender status to their families, even if the student has not consented or if doing so could put them at risk. Currently, 15 states have such requirements. In contrast, states like California have enacted laws protecting students’ right to privacy.
Why This Matters
Advocates argue that these policies are not about parental rights but about harming transgender youth. Studies have shown that forced outing can lead to increased depressive symptoms and reduced family support. The ACLU emphasizes that individuals, including children, have a constitutional right to privacy, and schools should not reveal personal information without consent.
These policies represent a dramatic shift in the legal and political landscape surrounding transgender rights, with significant implications for the mental health and well-being of young people. The debate is likely to continue as states grapple with balancing parental rights, student privacy, and evolving medical guidelines.
