A new report from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law reveals that over half of transgender youth in the United States live in states governed by restrictive laws. Specifically, the report indicates that 53% of transgender individuals aged 13 to 17—approximately 382,800 young people—reside in 29 states where access to gender-affirming care, participation in sports, and use of gender-affirming pronouns in schools are limited.
The situation has intensified in recent years, with 24 states implementing or expanding at least one type of restrictive legislation in 2025, according to the report’s authors. In contrast, nearly 40% of the estimated 724,000 transgender youth in the U.S.—about 285,300 teens—live in 17 states and Washington, D.C., where protective “shield laws” ensure their access to gender-affirming care.
Widespread Legislative Variations Across the U.S.
The report highlights significant regional disparities concerning legislation affecting transgender youth. In the South, a staggering 95% of transgender teenagers face at least one restrictive law, while in the Midwest, 51% are similarly affected. In contrast, regions such as the West and Northeast show a more supportive legal environment, with 83% and 74% of transgender youth, respectively, living in states that uphold shield laws.
Joshua Arrayales, the report’s lead author and a law fellow at the Williams Institute, remarked on the troubling trend. “For the past few years, we have witnessed a trend of escalating state legislation affecting transgender youth,” he stated. “The resulting patchwork of laws and policies is creating very different lived realities for transgender youth across the United States.”
Implications for Transgender Youth
The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for transgender youth, particularly in states lacking protective legislation. Access to gender-affirming care has been shown to significantly improve mental health and overall well-being for transgender individuals. As restrictive laws proliferate, the disparity in available resources continues to grow, leading to increased vulnerability among affected youth.
For those interested in further details, the full report provides an in-depth analysis of state-level policies regarding restrictive laws and shield laws. The report is accessible on the Williams Institute website, where it offers essential insights into the current state of legislation impacting transgender youth in the United States.
