Skip to main content
Topher Malone’s mother helps her put on her graduation attire in their home in Round Rock the morning of the ceremony on May 26, 2023.
LGBTQ+ Texans

This class president is the model of a successful Texas teen. After a ban on trans health care, she can’t wait to leave the state.

For one Round Rock teen, getting accepted to Harvard was her ticket out of a state that she says is hostile to trans youth. Now Texas will ensure young people like her no longer have access to gender-affirming care.


Topher Malone, a student advocate for transgender youth, in Round Rock, Texas on Apr. 7, 2023. Malone testified at the Capitol against HB 1686, a bill prohibiting gender affirming care for minors. “I think it’s really important that, as trans youth, we really speak up and represent ourselves,” Malone said. “I did skip all the school on that Monday, in order to be there, and I stayed there for 17 hours at the Capitol, just to testify.”
High school senior Topher Malone gives a presentation on college applications to junior Round Rock Early College High School students in National Honors Society students at the Austin Community College Round Rock campus.

“I can’t stand it anymore”

State Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, answers questions from Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, on SB 14, which seeks to ban puberty blockers and hormone therapies for transgender youth, for it's second reading on the House floor at the state Capitol in Austin on May 12, 2023.
Topher Malone, a student advocate for transgender youth, shops for prom dresses with her friends at a thrift shop in Round Rock, Texas on Apr. 7, 2023. Malone testified at the Capitol against HB 1686, a bill prohibiting gender affirming care for minors. “I think it’s really important that, as trans youth, we really speak up and represent ourselves,” Malone said. “I did skip all the school on that Monday, in order to be there, and I stayed there for 17 hours at the Capitol, just to testify.”
Inline article image

Transitioning in high school

Malone applies makeup, takes her hormones and puts on her robe and cords – each color honoring a unique school organization – the morning of graduation.
Topher Malone on her graduation day, May 26, 2023, in Round Rock.

From quiet freshman to class president


Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Support independent Texas news

Become a member. Join today.

Donate now

Explore related story topics

Health care Politics State government