On March 12, Detrans Awareness Day was marked with a briefing on Capitol Hill, highlighting the experiences of individuals who have regretted their gender transition. The event aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those who have undergone gender transition and later decided to detransition.
Forrest Smith, who transitioned from male to female at 19, shared his story at the event. Now 29, he reflected on his journey, describing himself as a "guinea pig" in the process. After five years of transitioning, which included surgeries like the removal of his testicles and breast augmentation, Smith realized he had made a mistake. He spoke candidly about the impact of his decisions, stating that he now feels like “an amputee” and can never have children.
Chloe Cole, another speaker at the briefing, transitioned at 15. She discussed her struggles with mental health and autism, noting that social media played a significant role in her decision to transition. Cole expressed concern about how easily young people can be drawn into the transitioning process, a phenomenon referred to as "The Pipeline" by detransitioners. This term describes how teens questioning their gender can quickly find themselves on a path toward irreversible medical treatments.
The event was sponsored by Genspect, a group advocating for a non-medicalized approach to gender-related issues, along with the Heritage Foundation and the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Speakers emphasized the need for more open discussions about the potential risks of transitioning, especially for young people.
Former Texas Democratic lawmaker Shawn Thierry, now a Republican, criticized the medical establishment for endorsing gender transition treatments without sufficient research. He pointed out the contradiction in the left’s stance on science, suggesting that when it comes to gender issues, they often ignore scientific evidence.
The event also referenced a report by British pediatrician Hilary Cass, which questioned the foundations of gender identity services for children in the UK. Cass stated that there is a lack of understanding about the long-term effects of treatments on young people.
Plastic surgeon Patrick Lappert added that the current approach to transgender treatments raises concerns about public trust in the medical community. He described it as a form of human experimentation, highlighting the urgent need for more rigorous examination of these practices.
The stories shared on Detrans Awareness Day serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding gender identity and the importance of careful consideration before making irreversible decisions.