Just 1 per cent of trans teens detransition after starting medical treatment, study shows
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
A recent study published in the medical journal Jama Pediatrics has shed light on the detransition rates among transgender teenagers who have undergone medical treatment such as puberty blockers or hormone replacement therapy. The study, conducted at the Child and Adolescent Health Service Gender Diversity Service in Perth, Australia, between 2014 and 2020, found that just one per cent of trans teens detransitioned after starting medical treatment.
The research included 548 under-18s who were referred to the gender service during the study period. Of these patients, 29 (5.3 per cent) re-identified with their birth-registered sex before or during their assessment. However, only two individuals (less than 1%) detransitioned after beginning to receive puberty blockers or hormone treatment. This means that more than 99 per cent of those who underwent medical treatment did not regret their decision or choose to detransition.
The study concluded that further longitudinal follow-up studies, including qualitative self-reporting, are needed to better understand the different pathways of the gender identity experience. These findings challenge claims made by anti-trans groups that physically reversible medical treatments for trans teens should be banned due to fears of regret later on.
In the United States, at least 22 states have passed bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, including Texas, Arizona, and Oklahoma. According to research from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), approximately 35.1 per cent of all trans youth live in states with restrictions on gender-affirming care.
The HRC has expressed concern over the relentless attack on gender-affirming care, led by national anti-LGBTQ+ groups and legislators across the country. These efforts have overridden recommendations from the American medical establishment and introduced hundreds of bills targeting transgender and non-binary youth’s access to age-appropriate, medically necessary care.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been tracking proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced this year and reports at least 99 bills across US states that restrict healthcare to some degree. The ACLU and other advocacy groups continue to fight against these discriminatory measures and advocate for the rights of transgender individuals to access appropriate medical care.
Overall, the study’s findings provide valuable insights into the experiences of transgender teenagers undergoing medical treatment. By debunking misconceptions about detransition rates and highlighting the importance of gender-affirming care, this research contributes to a better understanding of the diverse pathways of gender identity exploration and affirmation.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
detransition
