The ACLU and Lambda Legal are doing a good job responding to this situation in Texas regarding transgender youth and their families and organizing. At the meeting tonight the message was clear that the Governor's message is not legally binding and mandated reporters need to have reason to believe a child is being psychologically or physically harmed before reporting a family (as usual). See the quote, "This opinion does not address or apply to medically necessary procedures." We are about to have an election, so this is very much a political move to get votes.
Parents were advised to create or update their safe folder (exampleopens in new window) and providers were encouraged to make sure they write “medically necessary” on notes for gender care visits just in case the worst-case scenario happens where Child Protective Services (CPS) gets involved. If CPS shows up, parents also have the right to tell them that now is not a good time and then get a pro bono attorney to guide them through any processes; they can call the ACLU or Lambda Legal hotlines for this.
For now, just make sure that all of your professional organizations are on this, we need state and national level statements. Also, see this resourceopens in new window that we published over two years ago clarifying that gender care is not abuse and legislators trying to say so are abusing their power.
Hang in there, fam—get pissed off, and remember our ancestors and elder queertrans fam have weathered these storms many a time before. I keep resting, getting grounded, and gaining strength and resilience from those who have made the way before us—that includes many of you.