Chase Strangio to Make History as First Openly Transgender Lawyer at the U.S. Supreme Court

Chase Strangio, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union ACLU, is set to make history in December as the first openly transgender attorney to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court. Strangio will represent a group of transgender individuals challenging a Tennessee law that prohibits gender-affirming medical care for minors.

This case is a significant legal battle concerning the rights of transgender youth and is part of a broader national discussion around gender-affirming care.

On December 4, the Supreme Court will hear the appeal from President Biden’s administration regarding a lower court’s decision that upheld Tennessee’s ban on medical treatments, including hormones and surgeries for minors experiencing gender dysphoria. The ACLU has called Strangio a leading legal expert on transgender rights, with ACLU Legal Director Cecillia Wang praising his dedication and expertise in civil rights law.

The law’s proponents argue that such medical treatments are experimental and potentially harmful. However, major medical associations assert that gender-affirming care can be life-saving and is crucial for the mental health of transgender individuals, who often experience higher rates of suicide.

The lawsuit in Tennessee includes several plaintiffs, such as transgender minors and their parents, who contend that the ban violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution by discriminating against them based on their gender identity.

Strangio’s involvement in high-profile cases, including representing transgender student Gavin Grimm in a dispute over bathroom access and advocating for Chelsea Manning, underscores his commitment to fighting for LGBTQ rights.

As this pivotal case approaches, it highlights the ongoing legal challenges surrounding transgender healthcare access in the U.S.