5 Things to Know: Local Orgs Denounce Atrium’s Discontinuation of Care for Trans Youth

Local Orgs Denounce Atrium’s Discontinuation of Care for Trans Youth

Charlotte Trans Health, Gender Education Network, PFLAG Charlotte and Time Out Youth released a joint statement Thursday denouncing this week’s discontinuation of gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years old by Atrium Health.

Parents of trans and gender-diverse youth began speaking out in early July after being informed that Atrium’s parent company, Advocate Health, would discontinue such care through all of its subsidiary companies by the end of the month. According to parents of patients, the policy went into effect on Monday, Aug. 4.

“While Atrium’s leadership claims this decision was not made lightly, the outcome is unmistakably clear: trans youth are being denied lifesaving care not because the science has changed, but because the political climate has,” read Thursday’s letter from the local LBTQ organizations. “The shifting federal landscape, executive actions, and regulatory threats may pose institutional risk – but the real harm will fall on young people who already face disproportionate rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality when affirming care is withheld.”

Queen City Nerve reached out to Atrium Health and received back a statement that to our knowledge is the company’s first acknowledgment of the policy. Atrium’s statement in full is below, in italics:

“Like many health systems across the country, we have been closely monitoring the evolving regulatory environment pertaining to health care. We have revised our policy to no longer provide or prescribe gender-affirming care medications for patients under age 19.

“Our physicians and clinical teams have been reaching out to each individual patient affected by this change to ensure they are aware of what it means for their care and provide the personalized support they may need. Recognizing that this will be difficult news for patients who are affected by this change, we’ve established a dedicated, 24/7 hotline to assist them, with a specific focus on providing any counseling support that may be needed or desired.

“We recognize that this is a deeply complex issue, and this decision was made after a multi-disciplinary team spent numerous hours carefully considering the options and outcomes. This new policy allows our hospitals, clinics and pharmacies to continue caring for all patients’ health needs in the changing federal environment.”

Local LGBTQ organizations art calling on Atrium and Advocate to protect access to affirming care to the highest extent possible under individual state laws; provide robust support to impacted patients by referring them to providers still offering care; publicly advocate for the rights of trans and gender-diverse youth and clinicians rather than “quietly succumb to unjust mandates;” and join local and national coalitions resisting the criminalization of affirming care.

“CTH, GEN, PFLAG, TOY and our community partners will continue to do what we have always done: show up, speak out, and provide care and support rooted in dignity, compassion, and the right to self-determination,” the letter concludes. “To every trans and gender-diverse young person and their families: You are not alone. We are fighting for you. And we will not stop.”

Read more: Anti-DEI Push Leads to Shortfall in Corporate Funding at Charlotte Pride

Stage Is Set for Transit Tax Referendum

A near-unanimous vote from the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) this week approved placement of the long-discussed transit tax on the ballot this November. If approved by voters, all revenue from the 1-cent sales tax increase would go toward the city’s transit plan.

With pools of money going to each municipality in the county, the new funding would need to be split across key transportation priorities: 40% for road improvements, 40% for light rail expansion, and 20% for bus service upgrades.

“Charlotte-Mecklenburg is growing rapidly, and our infrastructure must keep pace,” said former Charlotte City Council member and former NCDOT Deputy Secretary David Howard in a release from the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance on Monday. “This referendum represents a rare opportunity for residents to directly shape the future of mobility, safety, sustainability, and economic opportunity across every corner of our county.”

A number of community organizers have been voicing their opposition to the tax, however, citing concerns about who will benefit while others are left out of the conversation.

A letter from the Southern Coalition for Social Justice to Charlotte City Council and the BOCC on July 24 stated concerns about the body that would be appointed to make decisions regarding how the funds are spent.

“As your respective bodies are aware, transportation policies significantly influence issues of economic justice, including, but not limited to, access to opportunities, affordability, and environmental impacts,” the letter read. “While we recognize that a local referendum in November 2025 would give your voting constituents a say in this matter, we are deeply concerned that, if approved, the decision-making power behind the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority would, by design, be separated from those most affected by the policies to be created and executed.”

In an essay published on July 31, Greg Jarrell with the Charlotte chapter of The Redress Movement discusses why he and others believe the transit tax will only increase gentrification and segregation.

Resident Culture to Close South End Location

Popular South End brewery Resident Culture announced Monday that ownership would be immediately and permanently closing its doors via its Instagram page.

“From day one, this space has been about community and creativity — joyful gatherings, unforgettable nights, quiet coffee moments, and the magic of shared connection,” the post read. “We’re endlessly thankful to everyone who showed up, supported us, danced, dined, and raised a glass with us. You made this place more than a location — you made it an unforgettable memory.”

The reason behind the closure wasn’t stated, though it’s well known how rents are skyrocketing in the area.

Fans of the brewery will be happy to know that RC isn’t shutting down completely, however, as the original Plaza Midwood location on Central Avenue will remain open.

Governor Reluctantly Signs ‘Band-Aid Budget’

With the NC House and Senate unable to come to agreement on a Fiscal Year 2025-27 budget, which was scheduled to go into effect July 1, the NC General Assembly instead adopted a continuing budget resolution to address essential government funding.

As reported more in-depth here by NC Newsline, the stopgap budget does not include raises for teachers or state employees, nor does it allow the increased pay from step increases that are part of existing salary schedules. Some House Democrats also argued that the budget shorts the state’s Medicaid program.

“This Band-Aid budget fails to invest in our teachers and students, fails to keep families safe, fails to value hardworking state employees, and fails to fully fund health care,” stated Josh Stein after signing the bill. “With federal cuts on the horizon, the legislature’s forced $319-million cut to Medicaid will be particularly painful. Despite these serious reservations, I am signing this bill into law because it keeps the lights on.

“We have so much going for us here in North Carolina, but we cannot just rest on our laurels, do the bare minimum, and expect to continue to thrive,” he copntinued. “The General Assembly needs to get serious about investing in the people who make this state great.”

CMPD Charges Middle School Coach with Indecent Liberties

Detectives with CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team have arrested and charged a Kennedy Middle School football coach, 22-year-old Shymere Kavon Leroy Simms, in a Crimes Against Children investigation.

According to CMPD, Simms is charged with one count of indecent liberties with a student. He was previously employed at Alexander Graham Middle School before Kennedy Middle School, though the department has not stated at which school the incident occurred or when.

Anyone with information about this incident or other incidents Simms may have been involved with is asked to call 704-432-8477 and speak directly to Detective Grigg.