By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ LGBTQ community is upset about a bill Equality Illinois says is targeting transgender teens.
“It wasn’t until I discovered gender-confirming treatments that I realized there is a possibility of relief,” said Grayson Alexander, a young trans man. “Working with my mother, my pediatrician, and my therapist, I was lucky enough to find an endocrinologist who specialized in helping trans youth.”
A bill sponsored by State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) would outlaw trans-related treatment and certain permanent elective surgeries — for example, mastectomies — for minors.
“Things like social media may be driving some of these young people to pursue this kind of treatment,” said Morrison, adding that the bill is out of concern for youth health and safety. “Obviously, there may be some parents or medical professionals that may cooperate or facilitate that, but that doesn’t mean that it’s right.”
Morrison says if the state regulates piercings, tattoos, and smoking, this fits.
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]
