evidence: That is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Psychiatric Association feel so strongly that gender-nonconforming youth need not just protection but gender-affirming care. Gender-affirming care is evidence-based, developmentally appropriate care that supports gender-nonconforming youth in being who they know themselves to be. This care is grounded in the understanding that diverse gender expression is not a mental health disorder but rather part of natural human diversity. Why does gender-affirming care matter? When youth receive gender-affirming care, it makes all the difference for their mental health — which makes all the difference for their physical health as well. While gender-affirming care may involve hormone therapy or surgery, its main point is to support gender-nonconforming youth and their families with a team of providers that understands their needs. Denying those needs — or even worse, using "reparative" or "conversion" therapies to prevent or dissuade children and teens from different gender expressions — is not only ineffective but can cause real harm. This is why not just the AAP, but the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the American Psychiatric Association, have all spoken out against it.