Despite some encouraging progress through legal challenges aimed at defending our trans families and communities from harmful state-sponsored laws, the fact remains that numerous obstacles persist, affecting tens of thousands of our transgender loved ones who are still facing difficulties in obtaining the vital gender-affirming care they require to save their lives.
Why is this needed now? Transgender youth living in Florida, who are not already receiving care, cannot access gender-affirming care. Courts in Florida have weighed in favor of three (3) plaintiff families — Judge issued a preliminary injunction, saying three transgender children can continue receiving treatment — however, all other families of Transgender youth in Florida are still not given the freedom to make their own healthcare choices for their family.
Transgender adults living in Florida who access healthcare through Medicaid cannot access gender-affirming care. Courts have weighed in and found this to be unconstitutional. This is a great victory! However, the financial, physical, and emotional harm to our Transgender community has already been done. Governor DeSantis and the State of Florida can still appeal to an upper court, and ultimately, the US Supreme Court may still make the final decision.
Gender-affirming healthcare providers in Florida still face obstacles in supporting their Trans patients, largely due to restrictions and fears imposed by DeSantis-appointed members of the state's Board of Medicine. It is important to remember that the fight is far from over, and our trans community members need ongoing solidarity and support!
In response, The LGBT+ Center Orlando, in partnership with Contigo Fund and other community organizations, has launched the Central Florida Emergency Trans Care Fund. This Central Florida effort provides rapid response support directly to the families of Transgender youth and to Transgender Adults directly impacted by anti-Transgender healthcare bans in Florida. Our Priority will be those most in need who lack or have inequitable access to care.
The administrators of this fund will be working with Trans-affirming medical providers to connect with patients and families most in need to support them with direct assistance.
All donations will be devoted to the CFL Trans Emergency Care Fund, housed at the LGBT+ Center Orlando, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are 100% tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
You can help us today by donating and spreading the word!
Frequently asked questions.
Where can I find assistance right now?
The Central Florida Emergency Trans Care Fund is the first Trans mutual aid fund of its kind in the state of Florida. Since we just launched on May 5, 2023, we are still in the development stage, working out the best practices and most equitable process possible.
So far, we have convened local healthcare providers and community organizations to work collectively around a response, and it’s still a work in progress. As an immediate next step, we are creating a committee composed of Trans and non-binary individuals responsible for making decisions regarding how the funds will be used and distributed. We will release more information about this committee and the process to access support soon.
If you need urgent and immediate assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with Lamia at maia@thecenterorlando.org.
Meanwhile, we have partnered with the Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE), which is already providing direct financial assistance to adults and youth throughout the US South, including Florida. Through CSE, families of Trans youth and Trans adults can receive grants of up to $500 to help with immediate needs, such as travel expenses, medication costs, and mental health or wellness requirements. Here is a link to their page https://southernequality.org/styep/. If you believe you and your loved one qualify, please reach out to us, and we will refer you to CSE for assistance.
We thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue working with affirming healthcare and community partners to navigate this complicated and challenging moment.