For immediate release

Shoshanna Carroll | Equality NC | shoshanna@equalitync.org| 919-213-1451

Nate Fischer | Equality NC | nate@equalitync.

On Friday, June 10, 2022 U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs ruled in favor of several transgender people and their families in a court case over the State of North Carolina's refusal to cover gender affirming treatment for state employees and their dependents. The ruling makes it clear that denial of this life-saving care is a violation of the equal protection clause of the Constitution and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act on the basis of sex. With this ruling, the North Carolina State Health Plan must offer and cover medically necessary treatments related to gender affirming care.

Kendra R. Johnson (she|her), Executive Director, Equality NC said:

"This is great news for trans people across our state. For years, the plaintiffs in this case clearly stated and showed that excluding medically necessary care for anyone is discriminatory. We know, and the majority of doctors agree, that gender affirming care saves lives, and enhances the quality of life for transgender people. North Carolina's state employees deserve to have their lives and their families cared for in healthcare and this decision is a positive step for better medical care for all. It is also a reminder that there is still much more work to be done to ensure trans people across the state are protected and affirmed in every way under the law. We are thankful for Judge Biggs' decision, and we are glad to celebrate the mandated revision to the North Carolina State Health Plan.

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Equality North Carolina builds LGBTQ+ power through advocacy, education, and uplifting the stories of queer and trans North Carolinians in pursuit of racial and social justice. www.equalitync.org