Is the truth coming out about gender – affirming care?
According to the ABC, Queensland Children’s Gender Services (QGCS) reported that no children were “coerced” or hurried into treatment.
In June, the clinic saw 547 children and adolescents. A further 491 were waiting to be treated.
Within six months, only a third of children and youth who accessed services received medical treatment including puberty blockers and hormones.
Psychiatrist, Dr Jillian Spencer from Queensland Children’s Hospital accused gender clinic of a lack of mental health screening. However, a panel of seven, headed by psychiatrist Dr John Allan dismissed her claims. They found the treatment of children safe and found:
…no evidence of children, adolescents or their families being hurried or coerced into making decisions about medical intervention.
(‘Independent Report into Queensland Children’s Gender Service Finds No Evidence Patients Were ‘Hurried’ Into Decisions’, Janelle Miles/ Rebecca Hyam, 19 July 2024)
In a – 104 – page report, the QGCS found that specialists were thorough in their assessments. They took their patients’ mental health, neurodiversity and current circumstances into account.
I find the last point interesting. In the mainstream and social media, doctors are often accused of ignoring diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Dosorder (ASD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in favour of gender dysphoria. That doesn’t seem to be the case (surprise, surprise).
Tavistock
In the UK, treatment for gender – diverse children has been in the spotlight. In March this year, Tavistock Centre closed after a number of complaints and lawsuits. Whistleblowers (often former employees) have also accused Tavistock of unethical behaviour.
People raised questions of the alleged explosion in gender – affirming treatment of minors in recent years. Allegedly, there was no real evidence that the treatments were working, as there was no follow up or after care.
I say ‘allegedly’ because I’m sceptical of the accusations.
In the aftermath, UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has cracked down on gender affirming care for minors.
The Cass Report
The Cass Report was behind much of NHS’s updated recommendations on restricting gender affirming care for under 25s. However, the report has faced a number of criticisms.
According to Advocate, the report, composed by Dr Hillary Cass, is flawed. It allegedly dismissed more than 100 studies highlighting the benefits of gender – affirming care.
The report falsely claimed that gender dysphoria “may be caused by anxiety, depression and OCD”. This is refuted by the American Psychological Association.
The Cass Report enforces the idea that gender dysphoria is a ‘social contagion. This theory has been debunked.
Additionally, the Cass Report has been allegedly tied to anti – trans organisations. When conducting the study, Dr Cass met with Patrick Hunter. Hunter is a member of Catholic Medical Association. This anti – LGBTQ+ organisation has been behind Governor Ron DeSantis’ policies.
Finally, director of UK’s The Good Law Project, Jo Maugham accused the NHS and Dr Cass suppressing evidence that shows a major increase of young people taking their lives while waiting for gender – affirming care.
According to a whistleblower and former Tavistock employee, one person took their own life between 2013 to 2020. However, since the Bell vs Tavistock ruling, there has been sixteen deaths.
I’m starting to believe that the gender – affirming care debate is another culture war. It seems that concerns over children transitioning is based on ideology rather evidence. And, tragically, trans and gender – diverse children are the ultimate victims of it.