The LGB Courage Coalition is an organization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults who are deeply concerned with the current state of gender medicine for children & adolescents in the United States and Canada.
We are speaking out from within the community most affected by this medical scandal- and we will no longer be silent. We seek to give voice to the many more lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people who share our concerns but who may be afraid to speak out.
See the Leadership page for more information about our team.
A Brief History of the Courage Coalition
The LGB Courage Coalition emerged from a shared concern among a diverse group of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals, joined by conservative trans voices, regarding the rapid increase in medicalized gender transitions for minors. Their journey quietly began, formalizing on July 1, 2023, with the launch of a Substack group blog. This initial platform became a gathering place for those who believed the prevailing “gender-affirming care” model for youth posed significant harms, particularly to gay and lesbian youth who might otherwise grow up to embrace their sexual orientation.
Among the early contributors and founders were figures like Jamie Reed, who had already gained national attention as a whistleblower from a pediatric gender clinic, exposing the internal workings of these institutions. She was joined by individuals such as Aaron Kimberly and Aaron Terrell, both trans men active in gender-critical discourse; Ben Appel, a gay author; and Buck Angel, a well-known transsexual man. Together, they laid the groundwork for an organization committed to championing evidence-based care while fiercely opposing the medicalization of gender non-conformity in children and adolescents.
From its inception, the LGB Courage Coalition articulated a clear mission: to end the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for minors. They envisioned a world where cultural and medical approaches embraced and supported gender non-conformity without resorting to irreversible medical interventions, believing many contemporary “gender-affirming” practices were rooted in regressive stereotypes. They also committed to supporting detransitioners and their families, advocating for sex-based safe spaces, and upholding the fundamental rights of LGB adults. Though deeply committed to these causes, the Coalition positioned itself as non-partisan, focused instead on broad public and legislative education.
As the organization grew, it evolved beyond its blog origins, becoming a registered U.S. non-profit. Like many burgeoning movements, it experienced its share of growing pains, and some original founders eventually moved on. This evolution, however, paved the way for a more expansive, grassroots volunteer network, significantly bolstered by the dedicated efforts of lesbians, gay men, and concerned parents. This period also saw a pivotal change: the organization rebranded, formally changing its name from LGBT Courage Coalition to LGB Courage Coalition, accompanied by new imagery that better reflected its focused mission. This renewed energy allowed the Coalition to expand its reach and impact, growing into a significant advocacy organization in state-level legislative efforts. Jamie Reed, now serving as Executive Director and Co-Founder, and Lauren Leggieri, stepping in as Co-Executive Director, began leading the charge, supported by a dedicated board of directors including Dr. Julia Mason, Dr. Joe Burgo, and Dr. Moti Gorin. The Coalition actively engaged in legislative battles, with members testifying across the country to advocate for laws restricting medical gender interventions for minors, directly impacting legislation in states such as Kansas, West Virginia, Texas, and New Hampshire.
They didn’t shy away from direct action either. The LGB Courage Coalition orchestrated impactful protests at major medical conferences, targeting organizations identified as key proponents of youth medical transition. Notable actions included demonstrations at the 2024 Endocrine Society Conference in Boston and the 2024 American Academy of Pediatrics Conference in Orlando. Their activism even extended to the highest levels of the U.S. legal system, with members leading crucial actions at the Supreme Court during significant hearings like US v Skrmetti in December 2024.
The significant growth of the LGB Courage Coalition has positioned it as a leading national voice in the movement to protect youth from medicalized gender transitions. With a dedicated legislative team, a team of experts ready to testify in states across the country for common-sense restrictions, and a commitment to providing dedicated advocacy wherever it’s needed, the Coalition is at the forefront of reforming culture and medicine to prioritize the long-term well-being of all youth.