Pediatric Cardiologist and Former Democratic Party CEO Leave Louisiana Due to Anti-LGBTQ Legislation

One of Louisiana's only pediatric cardiologists, Jake Kleinmahon, has left the state due to anti-LGBTQ legislation. Kleinmahon and his family felt compelled to leave after the state legislature passed bills targeting the LGBTQ community. They no longer felt safe or welcomed, and Kleinmahon received hate mail at his job. The Human Rights Campaign reports that over 525 anti-LGBTQ bills were passed in 41 states in 2023, with more than 220 targeting transgender people. Kleinmahon's departure leaves a void in the Louisiana healthcare system, with only two pediatric cardiologists managing heart transplants in the state.