In August 2025, the Trump administration announced a directive through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that will ban gender-affirming care for millions of federal employees and their families starting in 2026. As a Nebraska attorney—and as a survivor of conversion therapy—I break down the legal implications of this ban, why it conflicts with federal civil rights law, and what steps those affected can take to protect their rights.

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in United States v. Skrmetti, a pivotal case challenging Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. The outcome will have a direct impact on LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare access, and parental rights—not just in Tennessee, but here in Nebraska and across the country. Here’s what you need to know, and why it matters.