Austin, Texas, September 17, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has confirmed the cessation of gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender students, effective January 1, 2022. This decision reflects growing legislative pressure against LGBTQ rights. University officials cited the need for students to transition to alternative healthcare providers, raising concerns about disruptions in care and access to mental health support. This move aligns with a broader trend of diminishing gender-affirming services in Texas amidst a hostile political climate. Advocacy organizations highlight the essential nature of these treatments for the well-being of transgender youth.
Austin, Texas: University Confirms Cessation of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy for Transgender Students
The University of Texas at Austin’s health clinic has confirmed that it will cease providing gender-affirming hormone therapy to transgender students as of January 1, 2022. This decision comes amid growing legislative pressure on LGBTQ rights in Texas, with university officials stating that hormone therapy will “wind down” in the fall to allow time for affected students to find alternative care.
According to a university spokesperson, patients have been informed about the winding down process, with a focus on enabling students to seek gender-affirming healthcare from external providers, which the university suggests may provide a more comprehensive range of care. The University Health Clinic had previously offered these services to patients 19 and older, but this listing has now been removed.
Naveen Farrani, a communications strategist at Equality Texas, has expressed concerns regarding the disruption of care for transgender students, noting the potential challenges in accessing alternate healthcare providers. The Trevor Project, a prominent organization advocating for LGBTQ youth, indicates that gender-affirming hormone therapy is a vital treatment that significantly decreases rates of suicidality and depression among transgender youth—a view supported by major U.S. medical associations.
The university’s decision follows a series of recent legislative actions that target transgender rights in Texas. Noteworthy among these efforts are bills that impose stricter definitions of gender and regulate bathroom access for transgender individuals. In a similar move last August, Texas A&M University also discontinued gender-affirming care, citing a review of services amidst an increasing enrollment, although many attributed the change to a more hostile political climate for transgender rights.
Critics of the discontinuation of hormone therapy at UT, including LGBTQ student representatives, fear the move may overwhelm local healthcare providers and disrupt essential mental health support for transgender students. The university has faced criticism in the past regarding its resources for LGBTQ students, highlighted by the shuttering of the Gender and Sexuality Center and diminished support for diversity initiatives.
This trend of reducing access to gender-affirming care follows the introduction of nearly 170 bills targeting LGBTQ rights in the Texas Legislature this year. Among these are significant legislative measures, including House Bill 229, which asserts the recognition of only male and female biological classifications and seeks to prevent transgender individuals from changing gender markers on their identification.
Legislative actions have created a “chilling” effect on the availability of gender-affirming care and support in Texas, dissuading healthcare providers from offering vital assistance to transgender patients. Organizations such as Equality Texas and the Trevor Project are striving to provide support and resources for transgender individuals amidst escalating legislative challenges.
FAQ
What is the University of Texas at Austin planning to do regarding gender-affirming hormone therapy?
The University of Texas at Austin’s health clinic confirmed it will no longer provide gender-affirming hormone therapy to its transgender students, with the cessation of hormone therapy services officially occurring on January 1, 2022.
What is the rationale behind the decision to end hormone therapy services?
University officials stated that hormone therapy will “wind down” in the fall to allow time for patients to access alternative providers, which may offer a more comprehensive range of care.
How have recent legislative actions impacted healthcare for transgender individuals in Texas?
Legislative actions in Texas have created a “chilling” effect on the availability of gender-affirming care and support, contributing to an environment that discourages healthcare providers from assisting transgender patients.
Are there other universities in Texas that have discontinued similar services?
Yes, Texas A&M University also discontinued gender-affirming care last August under the claim of reviewing services in light of enrollment growth, a move many linked to the hostile political climate affecting transgender rights.
Key Features of the University of Texas at Austin’s Decision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Decision Date | Cessation of hormone therapy confirmed for January 1, 2022 |
| Reasoning | To allow students time to seek alternative healthcare providers |
| Legislative Context | Recent bills targeting transgender rights influencing decision |
| Impact on Students | Concerns about care disruption and access to mental health support |
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Transgender Health Care in the United States
- KXAN
- Google Search: Transgender health care resources
- The New York Times
- Google Scholar: Transgender health care
- The Advocate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transgender health
- KVUE
- Google News: Texas LGBTQ legislation
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