In today’s culture, where being transgender is celebrated, the stories of young people who have detransitioned need to be told according to the author of a new book. Jennifer Lahl, founder of The Center for Bioethics and Culture, is fighting against what she views as lies pushed by the medical profession that promote puberty blockers as “gender-affirming” care. Through her new book, “The Detransition Diaries,” Lahl shares the stories of eight men and women who regretted their decision to have body-altering surgeries. These individuals often face little support within the medical community or their social spheres.
Gender dysphoria is viewed by Lahl as a mental health issue that is being incorrectly used as a motivation for young individuals to undergo surgeries they later regret. Permanent surgical interventions, such as double mastectomies, can leave detransitioners with challenges such as infertility and an inability to breastfeed. Lahl believes that the medical community and insurance providers are not adequately informing individuals of the long-term consequences of transitioning from female to male. She urges parents to be advocates for their children and to be cautious of the influence of social media on their beliefs.
Lahl highlights the different motivations behind boys and girls experiencing gender dysphoria. Boys, influenced by toxic masculinity messaging in the media, may feel pressured to distance themselves from negative stereotypes associated with being male. On the other hand, girls may be more susceptible to social contagion, adapting their behavior to fit in with their peers. Lahl stresses the importance of addressing these issues through counseling and psychiatric care, rather than rushing into irreversible surgeries.
Despite the chaos of the transgender debate in today’s society, Lahl finds hope in the return to faith and its foundations for many families navigating the journey of detransitioning. She believes that there is a spiritual silver lining to many of these stories, with individuals finding meaning and connection through their faith. A recent study in the Netherlands showing a decrease in gender dysphoria between adolescence and early adulthood supports Lahl’s belief in the importance of exploring alternative approaches to addressing these issues.
Ultimately, Lahl emphasizes the need to return to the belief that God created humanity in complementary male and female forms. She warns of the consequences of straying from this fundamental belief, leading to confusion and a lack of grounding in society’s understanding of gender. By sharing the experiences of detransitioners and promoting dialogue around the complexities of gender dysphoria, Lahl hopes to bring awareness to the risks associated with rushing into irreversible treatments. As more families find solace in faith-based approaches to healing and supporting their children, there is the potential for a more grounded and compassionate approach to addressing issues of gender identity in society.
