The Louisiana legislatures anti LGBTQ legislation is driving a highly specialized pediatric doctor, in New Orleans, to leave the state with his family.
Taking to social media, popular American doctor, Jake Kleinmahon, took to social media to announce his departure from Louisiana with his husband, Tommy Tom and their children.Â
Heartdoctordaddy shark wrote: “When I came back Louisiana almost exactly 5 years ago, I came with the goal of building one of the highest quality pediatric heart transplant, heart failure, and ventricular assist programs in the country. I felt that kids in Louisiana should be able to get the same quality healthcare as any other child in the United States. We have been quite successful and I’m so proud of what we’ve built. My plan had been to stay at my current institution until I retired. However, over the last year, Tom and I have watched state legislatures across the south pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Louisiana’s last legislative session was no different. While they failed to override the governor’s veto on two of the three bills, the message is very clear. Tom and I have discussed at length the benefits of continuing to live in the south, as well as the toll that it takes on our family. Because of this, we are leaving Louisiana. Our children come first. We cannot continue to raise them in this environment.
“I am excited to announce that I have accepted a position of Director of Pediatric Heart Transplant, Heart Failure, and ventricular assist devices at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Long Island, New York. This is a wonderful new opportunity, but it is incredibly sad to leave our home, our friends, colleagues, and patients and their families. We will be moving towards the end of August. With love for all, Jake. #lovewins @louisiana_gov @louisianasenate #dontsaygay #hearttransplant #nola #longisland #gayswithkids #docotor #moving #nohate.”
