Gender Detransitioners Speak Out About Feeling Abandoned and Harm of ‘Gender-Affirming Care’: ‘It’s a Mess’
Gender detransitioners and experts are calling for caution in promoting sex reassignment treatment for young people, highlighting concerns about the lack of psychological assessment and the ideological extremism of some transgender activists. In a recent opinion piece in The New York Times, columnist Pamela Paul shared the stories of detransitioners who regretted their decisions.
One of the individuals featured in the article is Grace Powell, a 23-year-old woman who is currently detransitioning after going through the process of changing her sex. Powell explained that during her teenage years, she believed she was in the wrong body and saw transitioning as the only solution. However, looking back, she wishes she had explored her feelings more and addressed the underlying causes of her gender dysphoria.
Powell’s story reflects a larger issue raised by experts and detransitioners alike. Many claim that individuals seeking gender-affirming care are not thoroughly assessed for other potential sources of distress, trauma, or mental health issues. Instead, there is often an immediate focus on medical interventions. This treatment orthodoxy has faced increased scrutiny in recent years, with some arguing for more caution and exploration of alternative approaches.
Kasey Emerick, another detransitioner, shared her experience of transitioning as a way to avoid being perceived as gay. After living as a trans man for five years, Emerick realized that her mental health had worsened. When she came out as a detransitioner, she faced backlash from transgender influencers and received threats. While she no longer takes testosterone, her voice remains permanently changed.
The article also includes insights from Paul Garcia-Ryan, a former trans female who detransitioned after 15 years. Garcia-Ryan, who is now a licensed clinical social worker, highlights the danger of affirming a young person’s gender identity without exploring other possibilities. He advocates for psychotherapy before considering any medical interventions for those under 25.
Dr. Laura Edwards-Leeper, a psychologist specializing in gender identity, emphasizes the need for individualized treatment plans. She points out that not all newer patients seeking gender-affirming care have a history of childhood dysphoria. She raises concerns about the lack of regulation in the field and the need for comprehensive assessments of patients’ mental health before making irreversible decisions.
The article acknowledges that there are adults who have found gender-affirming care to be life-changing and beneficial. However, it highlights the importance of better monitoring and caution when it comes to young people. Several European countries have already taken steps back from medical gender affirmation for youth, and some studies have raised questions about the long-term outcomes of such treatments.
Ultimately, the article argues for a return to reason and a departure from the polarized and politicized nature of the debate. It calls for comprehensive assessments, individualized treatment plans, and a focus on the well-being of young people. By considering the experiences and perspectives of detransitioners and experts, the hope is to foster a more thoughtful and nuanced approach to supporting individuals grappling with their gender identity.
In a complex and evolving field, the voices of those who have detransitioned add important insights and cautionary tales, prompting a reevaluation of the current practices surrounding gender-affirming care for young people.
Note: This news article is based on the details provided and does not reflect the views or opinions of the news agency. The purpose of this article is to inform and provide a summary of the situation based on credible sources and interviews.
