US District Judge Robert Hinkle Rules Against Florida Ban on Gender-Affirming Care

Read the latest in queer-affirming literature! No, it’s not yet another RuPaul autobiography, it’s actually a 44-page judicial decision from U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle.

Don’t worry, much like a catty drag queen, Hinkle’s decision throws some serious shade. According to Politico, the judge’s 44-page ruling (which you can read in its full glory here), blocks the state from applying its recent ban on gender-affirming care to minors after three specific young people sued the state. While the ruling was very narrowly applied to just those plaintiffs, it’s filled with scathing language that denounces DeSantis’ hateful law and which could be cited in future cases.

In a section of the decision literally titled “III. Gender identity is real,” Hinkle writes: “Gender identity is real. The record makes this clear. The medical defendants, speaking through their attorneys, have admitted it. At least one defense expert also has admitted it.”

He then goes on to say, in what could easily be cited as a lyric in the best diss track of the year, “Despite the defense admissions, there are those who believe that cisgender individuals properly adhere to their natal sex and that transgender individuals have inappropriately chosen a contrary gender identity, male or female, just as one might choose whether to read Shakespeare or Grisham.”

“My husband and I have been heartbroken and worried sick about not being able to care for our daughter in the way we know she needs,” says the mother of the anonymous trans girl who brought the suit against the state in a statement reported by The Independent. “I’m sure most any parent can imagine the sense of powerlessness that comes from being unable to do something as basic as get medical care for your child.”

DeSantis’ attacks on transgender people in Florida have been polarizing, with Newsweek recently reporting that DeSantis’ approval rating has dropped dramatically since he announced his bid for President. Citing a poll from Civiqs, Newsweek reported a few days ago that DeSantis had an approval rating of 36%, with 55% having an unfavorable view of the Republican governor of Florida. It hasn’t helped that his attempt to launch his campaign in a conversation on Twitter with the company’s CEO Elon Musk was, as PBS reports, plagued with glitches that overshadowed his announcement.