Several states are witnessing a legislative push to restrict the use of public funds for gender-affirming care for transgender adults. This follows a wave of legislation targeting care for transgender youth. Lawmakers in at least eight states, including Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia, are pursuing bills that would limit or prohibit the use of state or Medicaid funds for such treatments.

This potential shift in healthcare access has raised concerns among transgender individuals who rely on public assistance for their care. Mason Kalinsky, a 27-year-old transgender activist in Kentucky, shared with ABC News the transformative impact hormone therapy has had on his life. He credits it with improving his mental health and overall well-being after other treatments proved ineffective.

One of the sponsors of the Kentucky bill, Republican State Rep. Josh Calloway, argues that taxpayer money should not be allocated to gender-affirming care. His proposed legislation would prohibit state funding for a range of services, including hormone therapy, surgical procedures, and related mental health support. Calloway cited potential increased costs to the state for psychiatric care if gender-affirming care is restricted, framing it as evidence of a mental health crisis. He maintains that there are only two genders and transition is not possible.

Calloway's views reflect a broader trend of legislative efforts targeting the transgender community. Hundreds of bills have been introduced in recent years addressing issues like bathroom access, sports participation, and school curriculum related to gender identity. While many of these bills fail to pass, the ACLU reports that a significant number still become law, leading to legal challenges.

Carma Marshall Bell, a 34-year-old transgender Kentucky resident, expressed fear about the potential impact of losing access to hormone therapy, citing potential health complications and mental health consequences. She emphasized the life-saving role hormones have played in her own journey and plans to advocate against the proposed restrictions. Marshall, along with other LGBTQ+ advocates, is rallying for recognition and equal rights, emphasizing their contributions to society and their pursuit of the American dream.