AAMFT is aware of a recent directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott that constitutes gender-affirming care as child abuse and requires criminal investigation into parents or licensed professionals under mandatory reporting laws.
AAMFT remains clear and vocal in our position against discrimination on any basis, and recognizes the adverse effects of this directive on the livelihood of the transgender and gender diverse community, putting already at-risk individuals at greater risk for depression, increased suicide, and attempted suicide.
“We oppose political action that discriminates against the LGBTQ+ population or seeks to limit MFTs’ ability to provide gender affirmative care. Unfortunately, this directive is just the latest in a concerning trend of anti-transgender efforts in state legislations that AAMFT and our Queer and Trans Advocacy Network will continue to monitor and work in avenues available to us to build a greater understanding about the health and support that evidence-based gender affirming therapy provides,” says AAMFT CEO Tracy Todd, PhD.
AAMFT President Shelley Hanson says, “Marriage and family therapists are integral in supporting and affirming transgender and gender diverse clients throughout their journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and transition, and providing the crucial support within their family systems to enable enriching, stable relationships that are fundamental to their well-being.”