The issue of transgender rights animated the presidential campaign. Now it has made its way to the Supreme Court, and in more ways than one.

The Supreme Court will consider a law restricting transition-related health care for minors for the first time Wednesday, and legal experts say the court’s decision could affect access to transition-related care nationwide for both minors and adults for decades to come.

Dr. Susan Lacy had been caring for transgender patients for several years in Tennessee when, in 2023, everything changed. In the span of a few months, the Republican-governed state banned healthcare providers from treating minors for gender dysphoria.

Conservative groups have for years sought to reduce the government’s sway over parents’ childrearing choices, particularly when it comes to decisions about school and health care.

It is a sensitive topic, coming from a law passed in 2023 by the Tennesse Legislature. The impact of the Supreme Court's decision on transgender care for children, worrying parents from both sides. Transgender children are banned in Tennessee from receiving gender-affirming care by law.

For Chase Strangio, the professional path that’s led to this moment – in which he’ll have 15 minutes to present an argument defending gender-affirming care for trans youth before the Supreme Court – cannot be unwoven from his life outside the courtroom.