Colorado tried to silence me for helping gender-confused kids. The Supreme Court just ruled 8-1 in my favor

In effect, the state is forcing counselors to be silent or participate in a one-size-fits-all mandate pushing kids down the path of gender transition and toward dangerous drugs and surgeries. This mandate forbids certain kids and families from getting the counseling they want that actually helps them - counseling to help them accept their bodies. Colorado thinks it knows better than families what counseling they should receive.

The law also constrains my best instincts as a critical thinker and clinically trained counselor. I should be listening to my clients rather than steering them toward a state-ordained conclusion. Instead, the state law would compel me to suppress both my beliefs and professional training, when it's that very combination that often attracts clients to seek me out.

Colorado's censorship deprives these young people of what they want most: someone to talk with who will genuinely listen … who will try to understand their individual experiences and sensibilities … who can walk with them through their pains and confusions and help them find their way to thoughtful decisions and a happier future.

Thankfully, our highest court has now recognized the danger of what Colorado and other states have been pushing on my profession. Throughout our history, government officials have repeatedly tried to use censorship in the name of protecting people from hearing ideas considered too dangerous. And once again, the court had to explain why censorship can't be the answer to our disagreements. With their decision, the justices are offering Colorado a refresher on First Amendment basics and affirming that government cannot silence viewpoints in the counseling room.

The kids struggling with issues of identity deserve this.

These are the opportunities the Supreme Court ruling will help make possible. I hope we can share the justices' commitment to protecting young people and their families from bad science, compromised freedoms and political intrusions on the right to pursue truth without being silenced.

Kaley Chiles is a licensed professional counselor in Colorado.