Category Archives: Ethics

What Michael Laidlaw gets wrong about transgender youth

This month, endocrinologist Michael Laidlaw posted a lengthy review of the book I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and trans teenager Jazz Jennings at the Witherspoon Institute’s Public Discourse blog, alleging that the book includes “a number of factual accuracies … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics, Gender dysphoria, Trans youth, Transphobia and prejudice | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Why the “youth transition as anti-gay conversion therapy” myth doesn’t add up

Previously: Fresh trans myths of 2017: “rapid onset gender dysphoria” When “desisters” aren’t: De-desistance in childhood and adolescent gender dysphoria Do all trans youth on puberty blockers go on to transition? An increasing share of anti-trans discourse is now occupied … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics, Hoaxes, Outcomes of transition, Trans youth, Transphobia and prejudice | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Dissecting denialism: How transphobia’s bad science turned a Washington hospital into a battleground

Previously: Counter-realities: The practice of denialism in transphobia This summer, Pullman Regional Hospital near the Washington-Idaho border became the site of a wholly unnecessary conflict over vaginoplasty for trans women. The Washington Post reported that after surgeon Geoff Stiller sought … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics, Faith and religion, Gender dysphoria, Health care, Outcomes of transition, Surgery, Transphobia and prejudice | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Do all trans youth on puberty blockers go on to transition?

Puberty blockers are used in the treatment of appropriately diagnosed transgender youth, who wish to avoid developing undesired secondary sex characteristics of their assigned sex but are not yet old enough to commit to the permanent changes of hormone therapy. … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics, Gender dysphoria, Hoaxes, Outcomes of transition, Trans youth, Transgender medicine, Transphobia and prejudice | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Transphobic rejection: an ineffective and dangerous “treatment”

When discussing transgender healthcare needs, I’ve previously covered the known health benefits of gender-affirming approaches such as social transition, puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries. The evidence for the efficacy of transition treatments is overwhelming, with clear improvements in dysphoric … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics, Family, Gender dysphoria, Outcomes of transition, Trans youth, Transgender medicine, Transphobia and prejudice | Tagged , , | 2 Comments