The Mary Bridge Children’s Gender Health Clinic provides gender-affirming health care for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children, adolescents and young adults. Staffed by licensed social workers, physicians, registered nurses and a dietician, the Gender Clinic cares for individuals who are exploring their gender identity and what that looks like for their personal health care roadmap. Services include medical consultation, individual and family therapeutic support, case management and specialty nursing. As of March 2023, the clinic has 712 active clients, averaging 30 new referrals every month.

We are seeing a wave of anti-trans bills across the country. An NPR analysis found that in 2021-22, “state lawmakers introduced at least 306 bills targeting trans people, more than in any previous period. A majority of this legislation, 86%, focuses on trans youth” (Nov 2022). The Trans Legislation Tracker tallies 549 bills in the 2023 legislative session alone. This record-breaking flurry of anti-trans legislation threatens the physical and mental wellness of youth who are already subjected to excessive wait lists, overt discrimination, lack of provider knowledge or training, insurance gatekeeping or exclusions, and poor attention to consistent and proper use of youths’ chosen names and pronouns.

The Gender Clinic is located in Pierce County, WA. However, services for transgender and gender-diverse youth are scarce, and our clients span most of the state, from Olympia up to Bellingham and east to Spokane. We are also seeing a rapid rise in families traveling from states where this care is deemed illegal, including Arkansas, Alabama and Texas. We expect this trend to continue due to pending legislation in many places across the country restricting access to gender-affirming care.

We are requesting unrestricted general operating funding to sustain and further the Gender Clinic’s important work. Community demand for these services continues to rise above our clinic’s capacity. Your gift will help our clients receive consistent, quality care from an expert team.

Please join me in building an affirming and supportive environment where TGD youth can thrive.

Learn more: Pediatric Gender Health Program | Mary Bridge Children's