Navigating Gender-Affirming Care in Shield States
Accessing gender-affirming care shouldn’t be this complicated. Yet, with increasing restrictions across the country, many trans and non-binary people are forced to find creative and, frankly, exhausting ways to get the care they need.
The good news? Shield states protect both patients and providers from out-of-state legal attacks, offering a safer path to gender-affirming care. If you’re in a state with bans or restrictions, here’s what you need to know about seeking care in a shield state
Shield states refuse to cooperate with out-of-state investigations, subpoenas, or legal actions aimed at penalizing people seeking or providing gender-affirming care.
What Are Shield States?
Shield states have enacted legal protections for transgender individuals traveling from states with restrictive laws. These states refuse to cooperate with out-of-state investigations, subpoenas, or legal actions aimed at penalizing people seeking or providing gender-affirming care.
💡 Current Shield States:
✔️ Connecticut
✔️ Massachusetts
✔️ California
✔️ Washington
✔️ New Jersey
✔️ Maryland
✔️ Vermont
✔️ Illinois
✔️ New Mexico
✔️ Colorado
✔️ Minnesota
✔️ Washington, D.C.
Each state has different protections, so it’s important to check local regulations before traveling.
How to Access Gender-Affirming Care in a Shield State
If you need care but live in a state with restrictions, there are still safe and legal options.
1. Plan Your Travel for In-Person Care
If telehealth isn’t an option, you may need to travel to a shield state for in-person appointments.
🗺️ Choose the closest shield state that offers the care you need.
💸 Budget for travel expenses—some mutual aid groups can help.
🏡 Look for lodging support from LGBTQ+ centers or organizations.
📂 Bring necessary documents (ID, past medical records, support letters).
📌 Resources for Financial & Housing Support:
🔹 Point of Pride – HRT access fund & travel assistance
🔹 Trans Lifeline – Emergency grants for healthcare & travel*
🔹 Campaign for Southern Equality – Trans community health project
*As of 2/11/25, Trans Lifeline’s Microgrants Program is paused. However, the Trans Lifeline still has a plethora of useful resources.You can learn more about the microgrant program here.
2. Explore Telehealth Options (If Available)
Some shield states allow providers to prescribe hormones via telehealth for out-of-state patients. This can reduce travel while still offering access to care.
✔️ Check state laws to confirm telehealth availability.
✔️ Find a telehealth provider licensed in that state.
✔️ Schedule a virtual consultation to get started.
💡 True U offers online hormone therapy in many states—check our coverage!
3. Understand Your Legal Protections & Risks
✅ Shield laws prevent states with bans from taking legal action against you or your provider.
✅ Your medical records & identity are protected.
❌ If you return to a state with bans, you could still face legal risks (especially for minors).
📌 Legal Support Resources:
🔹 Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF)
🔹 American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
4. Connect With Community Support Networks
Seeking care across state lines can be isolating, but you’re not alone. LGBTQ+ organizations, mutual aid funds, and online groups can help you navigate the process and offer emotional support.
💡 Resources for Support & Connection:
🔹 Q Chat Space – Online LGBTQ+ peer support groups
🔹 Trevor Project – Crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth
🔹 Trans Lifeline – Emotional support hotline & peer counseling
Final Thoughts
The fight for gender-affirming care is far from over. But you have options.
🏳️⚧️ Care is still legal.
🏳️⚧️ You are not alone.
🏳️⚧️ Support systems exist.
If you’re struggling to access care, reach out. There are people, organizations, and communities ready to support you every step of the way.
💙 Need help finding care? Contact us today.
True U Clinic is an online hormone therapy clinic that provides safe and medically supervised hormone therapy to the trans and non-binary community. We utilize modern day technology and the most up-to-date clinical practices. Our goal is to provide this service at an accessible price, all while treating our clients with compassion and respect.
We are dedicated to providing a personalized experience and high-quality care through the convenience of virtual care. Get started with care for exactly who you are, wherever you are, today!
