Youth Gender Affirming Care is Legal in Montana
Despite rapidly changing federal and state policies that have caused confusion and misinformation, gender-affirming care for youth remains legal in Montana.
Many dedicated professionals and community organizations across the state continue to offer supportive care to gender diverse and transgender youth, their families, caregivers, and providers.
To support our community and ensure proper access to education, resources, and care, the MT Youth Gender Affirming Care Network was formed in 2025. The Network is hosted and coordinated by the Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center, which offers a variety of other support and resources, in addition. The Network is comprised of a large host of nonprofit, mental health, and clinical organizations and volunteers with a focus on youth and families. Montanans for Choice is proud to support the Network
In May 2025, a state judge permanently blocked enforcement of Montana SB 99, a 2023 law that sought to ban youth gender affirming care, ruling it unconstitutional under Montana’s rights to privacy and equal protection. Importantly, attempts to escalate criminal penalties against caregivers and providers have been blocked.
If you would like to follow the current legal status of youth gender affirming care across the nation and in Montana, visit the MAP project. The ACLU has more resources and can provide legal advice and assistance in Montana.
Finding Gender-Affirming Medical and Mental
Health Care for Montana Youth
Many medical and mental health providers across the state offer this care and are committed to supporting the well-being of transgender and gender-diverse youth. However, not all providers are experienced in working with gender identity or offering youth-specific gender-affirming care. If you’re unsure, a trusted provider can still be a valuable starting point for support and referrals.
Comprehensive services are available in Montana—including medical care, mental health counseling, and social support—for youth exploring gender identity, for transgender youth, and for their caregivers. Treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries remain legal and available when clinically appropriate.
If you’re a youth, we hope you have a trusted adult to turn to—but we know that’s not always the case. You’re not alone. There are other safe places to start.
For youth and their parents or caregivers, a helpful first step is often talking with a family doctor, pediatrician, or therapist. You can also begin by establishing care with a new provider who understands gender-affirming care.
The Human Rights Campaign offers helpful tips for how to start these conversations with a provider here.
If you are a youth, caregiver, or provider looking for resources or referrals in Montana, please reach out—we’re here to help.
Resources
Contact the MT Youth Gender Affirming Care Network
Do you have questions or need to connect with a real person in Montana who can help you navigate gender-related education, support, or care? Connect with us - mtgac@lgbtmontana.org.
Gender Basics
-
Understanding Gender Identity & Pronouns, The Trevor Project
-
Transgender and Non-Binary People FAQ, Human Rights Campaign
-
Understanding Gender, Gender Spectrum
-
Get the Facts on Gender Affirming Care, Human Rights Campaign
-
Youth
Montana
Flathead Valley
-
Teen Youth Group (FLY), Glacier Queer Alliance
Great Falls
Missoula
-
After-School Youth Groups (5th-8th & 9th-12th grades), EmpowerMT
-
Monthly & Annual Community Events for Queer Teens (ages 13-18) & Quarterly Family Events, Queer Prom MT
National
-
Crisis Support – 100% Free & Confidential, The Trevor Project
-
Seattle Children’s Gender Clinic, Seattle Children’s Hospital
-
Info & Community Groups, The Trevor Project
-
Family & Youth Support Groups,Transfamilies
-
Gender Booklist & Resources, Seattle Children’s Gender Clinic
-
Trans Youth Resources, Trans Youth Equality Foundation
-
Parents & Caregivers
Montana
-
LGBTQ+ Resources & Counseling, Montana Family Center
Missoula
-
Support Group for Parents & Caregivers of Gender Diverse & Transgender Youth (In-Person and Virtual Monthly, email for more information)
National
-
Seattle Children’s Gender Clinic, Seattle Children’s Hospital
-
Mental Health, Support Group, and Clinical Consultations for Parents & Caregivers (not for minors), Folx Health
-
Gender Spectrum Support Groups, Gender Spectrum
-
Family & Youth Support Groups,Transfamilies
-
Navigating Uncertain Times with Care and Compassion: A Guide for Parents of Transgender Youth, Human Rights Campaign
-
Supporting Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender-Expansive Children, Human Rights Campaign
-
Gender Spectrum Parent Community, PFLAG (Virtual)
-
TransFamily Support Services – Support for transgender/nonbinary youth and families
-
Talking to Doctors and Medical Providers, Human Rights Campaign
-
Stand with Trans – Support for transgender/nonbinary youth and families
Clinical & Mental Health Providers
-
Gender Affirming Pediatric Care Toolkit, National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center
-
Seattle Children’s Gender Clinic, Seattle Children’s Hospital
-
Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People: World Professional Association of Trans Health (WPATH)
-
Caring for Gender Diverse Youth, Cardea Training Center
-
Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics
-
Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People: World Professional Association of Trans Health (WPATH)
-
Gender Dysphoria/Gender Incongruence Guideline Resources, Endocrine Society
-
Guidelines for the Primary and Gender-Affirming Care of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary People, UCSF
-
Comprehensive Care Clinics for Transgender & Non-Binary Youth: Considerations & Best Practices, Human Rights Campaign
-
Gender-Affirming Hormone Protocols, Seattle Children’s Gender Clinic
-
Caring for Gender Diverse Youth – Cardea Training Center
-
Legal
Youth gender affirming care is legal in the United States, and in Montana.
There is misinformation about the legal status of care in the U.S. and the state of Montana. Youth gender affirming care is legal, and though some hospitals, clinics, and providers are choosing not to treat transgender youth, many are still treating youth.
In May 2025, a state judge permanently blocked enforcement of Montana SB 99, a 2023 law that sought to ban such care, ruling it unconstitutional under Montana’s rights to privacy and equal protection.
If you would like to follow the current legal status of youth gender affirming care across the nation and in Montana, visit the links below. Especially, visit the ACLU, who can provide legal information and assistance.
Other Legal Resources
-
Info on Youth Gender Affirming Care Bans, Movement Advancement Tracker
-
State Policy Tracker, Kaiser Family Foundation
-
Impact of Ban on Gender-Affirming Care on Transgender Minors, Williams Institute
-