Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed child welfare officials to initiate investigations into families of transgender children receiving gender-affirming care. This alarming move is part of a broader trend of anti-trans legislation that has been sweeping across the country, particularly in Texas. The impact of these actions is severe—over half of transgender and non-binary youth reported having contemplated suicide in 2020.
For parents like Sarah Jennings, who advocates for trans youth in Texas, the recent developments have been deeply unsettling. We reached out to her to understand how her family is coping with the situation and what she believes the broader public should recognize.
“Initially, I felt a mixture of frustration, concern, and anger towards the politicians targeting families like ours, but now I’m just terrified. The threats have intensified; Child Protective Services is investigating families despite their claims otherwise, and it’s genuinely frightening. I’m a complete wreck. I can’t stop crying and have barely slept for a week. It took me ages to eat something for the first time in forever. I’m just overwhelmed. I’m supposed to be the strong mom—the one who can’t be shaken—and here I am, terrified and asking why people aren’t stepping up? Where’s the White House? Where’s the Equality Act? Where’s the media? Where’s the outrage? We can’t face this alone.”
Families are leaving the state as political refugees, and Jennings empathizes with their decisions. “If I had to choose between having my children taken away or relocating to ensure our family’s safety, it would be an easy choice. Logistically, it’s a nightmare—my partner is a tenured professor and I run a small business. But if that’s what it takes for us to stay together, we’d do it.”
She raises critical questions: “Why is the solution to ask families like mine to leave? Why isn’t America doing more to support us? My child deserves just as much respect as any other.”
Jennings urges more parents to empathize with families like hers, regardless of their children’s gender identity. “It’s not abuse to love your child and follow medical advice, and being investigated for it is horrifying. Our foster care system is already in disarray. Instead of focusing on loving families, CPS workers are spending time investigating baseless claims. This could lead to tragic outcomes for both trans youth and children in foster care who aren’t receiving the care they need.”
Her children are struggling with the current climate. “We’ve prepared them for the possibility of CPS intervention. They need to know their rights—that they can refuse to speak to investigators and simply ask to return to class. It’s essential they understand this, but it’s a terrifying conversation to have. They claim they’re okay, but as a parent, I can sense that they’re not.”
Jennings is determined to raise awareness. “Where’s the outrage, America? These are children! They’re amazing, articulate, healthy kids who are loved—and yet, so many are ignoring their plight. The first step is to contact your senators and urge them to pass the Equality Act, which would protect sexual orientation and gender identity. Next, it’s crucial to register to vote and participate in primaries. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of these kids.”
If you or someone you know needs help regarding LGBTQ+ mental health or safety, there are resources available, including The Trevor Project and the Trans Lifeline.
For more insights, check out this related blog post here and learn more about resources at Intracervical Insemination, which offers valuable information on this topic. Also, for an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, visit WebMD.
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- How to support transgender youth
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- Navigating CPS investigations
Summary:
In light of recent legislation targeting transgender youth in Texas, advocate Sarah Jennings shares her fears and frustrations as a mother of a trans child. She highlights the emotional toll on families and the urgent need for societal support, urging others to empathize and take action by contacting their representatives and voting in upcoming elections.