The Willful Ignorance We See Today is Infuriating, and It's Not for a Lack of Information.
I am reminded of my own experience as a transgender woman who grew up in a time when this kind of understanding and support simply did not exist. As a baby boomer, I spent decades living without a framework to comprehend my feelings, let alone access to any solutions. It was a life of suppression and repression, one that came with profound costs to my mental health. Yet, ironically, I would not change a thing. The fact that I survived and delayed my transition allowed me to father three amazing boys who have grown up to be wonderful human beings. For me, this journey, though fraught with challenges, also came with blessings I cherish deeply.
And yet, here we are today—in a time when science and understanding about gender-affirming care have advanced—facing lawmakers who completely dismiss the evidence. We have grown weary of conservative leaders ignoring the data, dehumanizing trans youth, and leveraging fear and ignorance to strip away essential care. The hypocrisy is exhausting and, for many, devastating. As the individuals depicted in the illustration demonstrate, the willful refusal to ignore or twist the growing body of evidence regarding Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment and Gender-Affirming Health Care for trans people only serves to confirm the sexual insecurities of the deniers.
This growing body of knowledge on best practices cannot be ignored or brushed under the carpet of ignorance. Here are some examples that illustrate the profound impact of gender-affirming care.
Summary of Research Findings
Association of GAHT with Mental Health Improvements (2022): A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health demonstrated that GAHT was associated with significant reductions in depression and suicidality among transgender youth. The study highlighted that those who accessed GAHT experienced marked improvements in emotional health compared to peers who did not have access to this care. (Link to study)
Mental Health Trajectories During Transition (2024): Research on transgender adolescents in the U.S. and Canada found that early access to gender-affirming medical care, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, helped mitigate the mental health challenges that Trans and Non-Binary (TNB) youth often face. The study emphasized that timely intervention is crucial for avoiding the development of chronic mental health conditions. (Link to study)
Long-term Outcomes of GAHT (2023): A four-year longitudinal study revealed sustained improvements in depression and anxiety among TNB youth receiving GAHT. While individual experiences varied, the general trend indicated that gender-affirming care significantly enhances long-term mental health outcomes, allowing TNB youth to better navigate life’s challenges. (Link to study)
Impacts of Medical Transition on Suicidality: A 2022 meta-analysis further confirmed that access to GAHT reduces the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among transgender adolescents. This study provided a strong argument for the inclusion of GAHT as part of standard care for transgender individuals. (Link to study)
We Won’t, and We Can’t Shut the F Up
We in the trans community declare the necessity of disseminating evidence from reputable studies to confront and dismantle the pervasive misinformation surrounding gender-affirming care. By elevating the voices of researchers and clinicians, we affirm that knowledge is a tool for justice and a shield against ignorance.
We assert the importance of amplifying personal stories of transgender and nonbinary individuals. Their experiences are powerful reminders of the humanity at stake and gender-affirming care's profound, transformative impact. Through storytelling, we connect hearts to the realities that statistics alone cannot convey. One example comes from my own time volunteering with TransLifeline. I answered calls from terrified youth, some as young as 14, struggling under the weight of societal rejection. For these youth, affirmation is survival.
We commit to protecting legal access to gender-affirming care by challenging discriminatory laws and policies. In the face of legislative attacks, we stand as defenders of equity and justice, ensuring that every individual has the right to evidence-based medical care without interference from prejudice or politics.
We pledge to engage in intersectional advocacy that centers the voices and experiences of the most marginalized within the transgender community. This includes addressing the compounded barriers faced by transgender youth of colour and recognizing that justice for one is incomplete without justice for all.
The Reality Check Is Here Now
The scientific consensus is clear: gender-affirming hormone therapy is a vital component of care for transgender youth. It saves lives, improves mental health, and fosters resilience. The growing body of evidence presents an ethical imperative for lawmakers and society to support access to this care. At a time when anti-trans rhetoric threatens the well-being of countless individuals, it is crucial to stand firm in the commitment to justice, equity, and compassion.
In the words of one youth participant in a recent study: “For the first time, I feel like I’m living as myself. That’s something everyone deserves.” Let us ensure that this fundamental right is not stripped away by prejudice or politics.
