CW: mentions of mental issues & dysphoria
Society has done very little for trans youth, for many years.
With the common view that children are “too young” to know their gender identity, as well as the lack of education & support in place for them and their peers, trans kids are and have been for years, at huge risk of mental health issues, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm and alcohol and substance misuse.
Very few children are permitted access to hormonal treatments. Most healthcare services for trans kids are focused on the diagnosis of gender dysphoria and are meant to help predict whether the child will persist or desist with their dysphoria into adulthood. Many are told to wait years to start hormone blockers, often under the false pretence that “they are young & will change their mind”
But the vast majority of transgender kids who begin hormonal treatments do not change their minds about medically transitioning. For the very small percentage who do, this isn’t the horrible outcome that conservative media outlets often lead people to believe. Sometimes “de-transitioning” is just part of a person’s healthy psychological development.
affirming a child in whatever way they express their gender is crucial to their mental health. and providing trans kids with the affirmative healthcare they need is often absolutely necessary.
healthcare is a human right, not a political debate. trans kids deserve more
AZ FRANCO 