Meet the First Transgender Lawyer to Argue Before the U.S. Supreme Court: Chase Strangio
Chase Strangio, a Grinnell College alum, made history as the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging a Tennessee law.
Chase Strangio, Grinnell College, Transgender Rights, U.S. Supreme Court, Tennessee Law, LGBTQ+, Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C.: Last week, Chase Strangio, a proud Grinnell College grad, stood outside the U.S. Supreme Court, rallying a crowd waving transgender pride flags. It was an emotional moment.
Just moments before, he had argued against a Tennessee law that bans certain gender-affirming care for minors. Strangio made history as the first openly transgender person to present a case before the Supreme Court.
He passionately told supporters, “They claim there are no protections based on sex for transgender people like myself who rely on this medical care.” Strangio, who works with the ACLU, felt honored to stand before the court, advocating for the rights of transgender individuals.
The case, known as U.S. v. Skrmetti, is a big deal. It challenges a law that prevents doctors from providing hormone therapy or puberty blockers to teens dealing with gender dysphoria. The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision next year.
Strangio, along with the Biden administration, is representing families and a doctor who argue that this law violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. His arguments lasted over two hours, and he felt the pressure of being tested on his position.
Despite the challenges, Strangio remains determined. “At the end of the day, no matter what happens, we will keep fighting,” he said, showing his commitment to the cause.
Strangio has been with the ACLU since 2013, fighting against anti-trans laws. His work has been crucial in landmark cases, including the one that legalized same-sex marriage in 2015. He’s recognized as a leading expert on transgender rights.
Sarah Purcell, a history professor at Grinnell and Strangio’s mentor, believes this moment is a natural progression for him. She praised his dedication to advocating for trans rights at all levels of the legal system.
Originally from Massachusetts, Strangio graduated from Grinnell in 2004 and later earned his law degree. He returned to his alma mater in 2018 as a commencement speaker, reflecting on how much the college shaped his identity.
His former classmates, like Fredo Rivera, remember him as a brilliant mind who organized discussions on LGBTQ+ rights during their time at Grinnell. Strangio’s work continues to inspire many, leaving a lasting impact on the community.