Photo Story: Trans rights activists hold a protest after MU Health Care denies gender-affirming care for previously treated minors

Claire Nguyen

September 28, 2023

Students, state representatives, LGBTQ+ activists and others affected by MU Health Care’s decision marched in support of trans youth.

Protesters stand on the steps of Columbia City Hall while holding protest signs. A sign on the left reads “TRANS KID SUICIDE? MU HOMICIDE.” A sign in the middle reads “My life is NOT a crime.” A sign on the right reads “DOCTORS DO NOT DISCRIMINATE.” — Protestors gather outside Columbia City Hall to hear more guest speakers on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 in Columbia, Mo. Protesters marched through Ninth Street, after meeting at Jesse Hall.

May Hall speaks into a megaphone on the steps of Jesse Hall while facing a crowd of supporters. — Young Democratic Socialists of America Member May Hall gathers supporters in front of Jesse Hall. After the march through downtown Columbia, Hall introduced three more speakers.

Kofi Opam holds up a blue, pink and white protest sign which reads “HRT SAVED MY FUCKING LIFE!” written in black paint. — Kofi Opam marches through downtown Columbia with a sign that reads “HRT SAVED MY FUCKING LIFE!” expresses how gender-affirming healthcare affected them. Opam marched with their sign for almost two hours during the protest.

A protester holds a small cardboard sign at their side with the words “NO ONE IS ILLEGAL” written in black marker. — A protester holds a handmade protest sign while listening to speakers for the protest. Four speakers were presented at Jesse Hall before the march started.

Kyle Maki holds a pink, blue and white protest sign that says “STOP TRANS GENOCIDE” in blue paint. — Kyle Maki listens to a speaker in front of Columbia City Hall. In Maki’s hand is a homemade protest sign decorated in trans pride colors.

A protester holds up a white sign to their chest that reads “PROTECT TRANS YOUTH” in light blue ink. — A protester holds up a simple sign during the gender-affirming healthcare protest. Many others adopted the simple phrase “protect trans youth” throughout the march.

Harry Castilow wipes away a tear with his right hand under his glasses. — Harry Castilow tears up while listening to his son, Jay Castilow, speak in front of Columbia City Hall. Jay started receiving care when he was 15, but abruptly stopped due to the decision made by MU Health Care.

A protestor holds up a white sign with the trans symbol written on it in pink and blue ink in front of Columbia City Hall. — A protester holds up a sign with the transgender symbol drawn on it. Protestors yelled chants from a March for Trans Youth chant sheet between speakers.

Update: captions were updated to reflect a sources pronouns

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