THE NETWORKS: THE COORDINATED MOBILIZATION OF DOCTORS FOR BANS ON GENDER AFFIRMING HEALTHCARE FOR MINORS.

INTRODUCTION 1264 I. BACKGROUND ON TRANSITION CARE 1264 II. THE LEGISLATION 1268 III. THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG: THE NETWORK EXPOSED 1269 A. THE BEGINNING: SOUTH DAKOTA 1270 B. INFLUENCE [...]
A key feature of the current anti-LGBTQ backlash is opposition to gender affirming medical care for minors. Anti-trans activists bring out physicians to argue that "science" shows that gender affirming care is dangerous and should be banned, particularly for vulnerable children. These physicians present themselves as neutral and unbiased, responding to organic concerns from lawmakers--but the truth is far different. This Note examines the hidden connections between these physicians and conservative lawmakers, contrasting what is said in public with the physicians' comments behind the scenes. Through examination of emails, comparison of written testimony, and interviews with former collaborators, this Note reveals the true motivations behind these bans and shows why knowledge of these true motivations is important.