Trans Rights on the Court: A cautious shift since 2020

Since the 2020 ruling extending Title VII protections to transgender workers, the Supreme Court’s trajectory has tilted toward restricting transgender rights in several areas: upholding state bans on transgender women competing in women’s sports, allowing restrictions on gender‑affirming care for transgender youth and on transgender military service, and signaling that the reach of Bostock may not extend beyond employment. The court’s composition has shifted with Barrett’s appointment, public opinion has grown more divided, and momentum appears to be moving toward more restrictions despite ongoing challenges by advocates and continued litigation in related areas.