In April 2021 the legislature of the U.S. State of Arkansas introduced a bill that prohibited doctors from providing gender-transition treatments to people under 18 years old. The bill would make it a felony for doctors to administer puberty blockers, hormones and gender-reaffirming surgery to anyone under the age of 18. Opponents of the bill argue that it is an assault on transgender rights and that transition treatments are a private matter that should be decided between parents, their children and doctors. Supporters of the bill argue that children are too young to make the decision to receive gender transition treatment and only adults over the age of 18 should be allowed to do so.
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@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
No
@9GBQ9VW2yrs2Y
Top Agreement
A high amount of adults who transition as kids have high suicidal rates because they made this irreversible decision when they were young and immature.
You don't make a Schizophrenic better by telling them the voices are real. You need to treat the condition not the symptoms.
@B4PHH89 1wk1W
Most trans people know they are trans before they hit puberty and should be allowed at least puberty blockers before they are 18. Hormone replacement therapy could possibly be available before 18 but it should be a decision made between the child, parent and their doctor. Any surgery should be restricted to those above 18
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
Yes
@B4PHH89 1wk1W
Gender transitioning is an incredibly personal issue for trans people and should be a decision made between the person, their parents and the doctor. The government should have no role in this
@B49VRLS4wks4W
If you are a consenting adult then do what you want to your own body but don't try to influence anyone else to follow you and don't expect the taxpayer to cover any of your costs.
@B493C684wks4W
Recognising that the belief that they need the transition exists with the child, as a society we follow societal rules that say children can't make life changing decisions prior to coming of age. I have nothing against clothing changes, behavioural changes etc but I feel any surgery can wait until the child gets to 18.
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
No, and ban all gender transitioning treatments
@B2J6Y533mos3MO
Many humans, aside from trans and gender non-conforming individuals, seek gender affirming treatments (whether for aesthetic purposes or otherwise) due to the sociocultural standards that determine 'gender'. As such, gender affirming treatments are not only used to aid in the mental and physical health of gender diverse individuals, but also for those who conform to the gender assigned to them at birth. Further, gender transitioning treatments are lifesaving and improve the wellbeing of many people, including young individuals. The process towards attaining gender transitioning treatments is a long, expensive, and thorough one, ensuring low detransition rates.
@B2JNV3Y3mos3MO
I agree with this, and personally believe that Gender affirming care such as surgery or hormones and the like should be much more affordable.
@B2GCCL6 3mos3MO
Why does the state have the right to decide what is best for children when that is for the doctors and parents as well as the children to decide. Do we really think that not giving people who are on the brink of self harm treatment such as puberty blockers which have been proven to be reversible is a good thing? Sure, there are some children that may grow out of it, but for many it s not a phase.
@9FVGR332yrs2Y
Why should you be allowed to dictate how someone else lives their life? It is up to them and only them. If that is what they want, they should be allowed to do so. Gender transition treatments can be performed safely and if it makes someone feel better about themselves, they should be able to have access to such treatment.
@9T6W4G68mos8MO
The brain is not fully developed until long after a person turns 18. What if a friend or relative undergoes this treatment in a period of confusion and misunderstanding only to regret it? What, they kill themselves over a dumb decision while they were still a kid influenced by the loons on the internet?
@B2YTVFK2mos2MO
These are valid concerns. However, I see people make this argument whilst completely disregarding the impact mental health can have, specifically gender dysphoria. If being chronically depressed and anxious leads to a worse quality of life or even the ending of ones life, they should be able to undergo gender affirming care to change that. This can start as just hormones before moving into irreversible surgery, and also other measures to ensure that this course of action is the right thing for them to do, but outright banning it is careless and damaging.
People should have a right to do what they want with their own bodies. Especially in this case, when removing that right leads to negative health outcomes, including death. What people choose to do with thier own bodies should not be polticised.
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
Yes, but only for non-surgical treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy
@B4D9QDX3wks3W
Limiting gender transition to only non-surgical treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy disregards the complexity of gender dysphoria and fails to acknowledge that for many individuals, surgical interventions are a necessary part of their transition. Gender-affirming surgeries have been shown to significantly improve mental health, reduce depression and suicidality, and provide a sense of congruence with one's gender identity. Denying access to these surgeries restricts medical autonomy and undermines informed consent, as individuals should have the right to make decisions… Read more
@B2GCCL6 3mos3MO
We can all agree a 14 year old shouldn't be getting an operation to remove breasts or genitalia but these decisions for non-surgical treatment aren't taken lightly.
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
Yes, but only if they are at least 16 years old
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
Yes, but with parental permission
@9H47ZL41yr1Y
Parents are most likely the ones who are enforcing their children to have life changing gender-reassignment surgeries, so saying parental permissions on gender transition for under 18s is pretty pointless.
@9GBQ9VW2yrs2Y
No, gender treatsments should not be allowed for people underage as these treatments are irreversible and damaging to the human body, and a child should not make those decison as they still to young to make life altering decisions
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
Yes, as long as treatment is not subsidized by the government
@9H7CX5TOne Nation1yr1Y
As someone who has come into contact with many children who have gone through this treatment, or even simply social transition, I have seen the regret of transitioning firsthand. If a minor cannot smoke, drink, have sex, get married, or get a tattoo, they CANNOT consent to permanent mutilation that will impair their entire life course, from fertility to economic and social opportunities. Gender dysphoria and transgenderism are mental illnesses that should be treated with compassion and reformation, not butchery.
@9JPP8661yr1Y
A person’s brain is not fully developed until they are 25 so i believe they shouldn’t be allowed until 18. Additionally i think that it does have some negative effects on a person. I don’t know enough on this topic to make an educated answer.
Transgender Lives Matter
but they can drive a car and the can vote and they can get married before 25 for gods sake they can drink alcahol why is this not ok but all the things i have mentioned okay TRANS LIVES MATTER queer lives matter transgender and lgbtq peope exist get with it
@9T6W4G68mos8MO
Sure, they can drive, but they haven't fully developed their brains. This is a life altering decision which often causes immense regret. It also often leads to premature death and suicide. Trans, queer etc. is a largely psychological construct, and true transgenderism i.e. hermaphrodite individuals are an extremely rare case. It has risen in popularity through clowns on the internet, and due to FOMO amongst other things and the strong influence over adolescents convinces them to prematurely undergo an immense decision. Most 'trans' people are not actually trans, but have rather… Read more
Yes, but not before several psychological and psychiatric review sessions, and nothing life-altering before 16 unless it is puberty blockers.
@9LLC33X1yr1Y
Only for medical instance where the child was born with a malfunction in their reproductive organs or overall hormonal system, but if it's just someone's choice, they need to be an adult first.
@9M8VM7M12mos12MO
ye nah
make all men woman, and all woman men
@ISIDEWITH7mos7MO
What is the best way to balance an individual’s right to express their identity with the need to protect them from possibly making irreversible choices too early?
@9XJDZ986mos6MO
Making sure the topic is well understood. This includes destigmatising it and ensuring an environment where the individual can freely talk about it or discuss it. Ensure they know what they're getting into, which also involves parental education. But also, recent studies show essentially 1% of transgender people who undergo gender-affirming surgery report future regret. Gender expression is typically cemented around the age of 4. Considering transgender people have a disproportionally higher prevalence of depression, low self-worth and suicide rates, I'd say available options for… Read more
Make sure they understand the potential consequences i guess. Parents should understand too.
@9XRLHXL6mos6MO
I have no idea as I only believe that there are only two genders
@9LFLCZM1yr1Y
Yes, but only after undergoing an extensive psychological evaluation and with parental permission. After they turn 18, they should be allowed to do whatever they want.
@9CFH534One Nation2yrs2Y
No. All those who aid a child in transitioning before they are 18 should be prosecuted for child endangerment.
@9WK3YLP6mos6MO
they cant get tatts because there life changeing so why let them chanage there gender i think over 21 gendertransition treatmens can be done
Yes, for as long as the weight of scientific evidence continues to support early intervention with non permanent treatments.
@B4MM9P62wks2W
Yes, but only if they are all also treated as adults when committing adult crimes. If we are giving them choice based on the fact they know what they are doing then crimes should apply the same rule
@B4BTVNJ3wks3W
if somebody under the age of 18 sees psychiatrists, paychogolists, doctors etc (professional opinions) - and are deemed able bodied / have the capacity to make that decision then i think it should be allowed. It is irreversible & there are cases where kids have transitioned and then wanted to de-transition back to their biological gender- hence why i believe professionals need to be involved.
@B4BPF7T3wks3W
Yes, provided they are at least 16, have been briefed by a doctor and have received parental or court permission.
@B47VMWQ4wks4W
YES
I will speak from first-hand experience as I actually did start to medically transition with hormones as a minor (16, I wish I could have done so younger). It was a life-saving process. When a minor is diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria by specialist professionals, as I was, it means they are suffering a severe condition for which transition is the best known treatment according to all solid research on the topic. Forcing minors to forgo treatment is cruel, unnecessary, and leads to worse outcomes. Regret rates for transition are extremely low comparable to other medical procedures. Pay attentio… Read more
@9X3XFSZ6mos6MO
NO!
Minors SHOULD NOT receive any gender re-assignment treatments whether if it is via surgery or drugs, should not happen. Any professional and/or parent that is involved in this disgusting act should be charged and face the full extent of the law!
Yes, provided they are at least 16, or have parental permission if under 16 and are briefed on what it may entail.
No only social transitioning prior to 18, all medical and surgical transitioning should be held off till the person can make the decision for themselves legally
@B2QDW8W3mos3MO
No, decisions regarding receiving gender-transition treatments should remain at the age of 18+ to make those decisions.
@92LS86C3yrs3Y
Yes but only after psychological investigation to ensure its the right choice
@B2SXP9S3mos3MO
Yes, so long as they are at least 16, but allow transitions to occur under 16 if they have parental permission.
@9WBQBZ46mos6MO
yes, but only with extensive qualified therapists and non-surgical treatments until it's confirmed not to be influenced
@B3NMNMK2mos2MO
Yes, but there should be a very long, difficult, arduous process to go through first and if they still want to go through with it after that, then yes.
@B376PMP2mos2MO
No, I think that children should have more time to decide on whether they really want to transition but I fully support children under 18 having access to gender affirming care and hormone blockers.
@B2YN7WV2mos2MO
Yes, but only if they are the consenting age in their state and have non-surgical treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Surgery can be allowed once they are 18.
@B2RLKPG3mos3MO
Yes but Only with permission of both their parents/guardians, if one says no, its no, it's not a choice any child even young adult is really able to comprehend.
Yes, as long they are at least 16, have permission for their parents and fully briefed on their decision before committing to it.
@9NRFTL311mos11MO
The individual should show signs of gender discomfort for more than a year. Treatments are different from each other, so it really depends. If it’s through non-surgical methods, the person should meet the above requirement. If someone wants to do top surgery, they should be at least 16, bottom surgery at 18. If a trans person is under 16, counselling and experimenting with their gender identity can help a lot, and it’s better than dismissing their experiences.
@B2J939L3mos3MO
Yes, but requirements to be able to do it should be stricter and more limited in options so that it doesn't impede on their safety since their bodies are still developing
@9LMH63K1yr1Y
No, but teens reporting gender dysphoria need to be given humane and sensitive care that allows them to express themselves.
@99KDR5H2yrs2Y
i think it's important to have a real and open discussion about this with those who you trust to have your best interests at heart. it's important to have an understanding of the risks associated with a life changing procedure, or taking medication. I am very supportive of any decision that is going to impact someones life in a positive way, and I believe that every single person has the right to express their individuality in whatever way work for them.
@92P8PFG3yrs3Y
Yes but only after extensive psychiatric evaluation
@9SYC4SQ8mos8MO
Yes, only if at least 16 years old and with parental permission if parents aren’t abusive (background checks), and also include counselling and experimenting with gender identity for all ages, which is better than dismissing their experiences.
@9P4BD2L10mos10MO
If a person can legally make an advanced directive, they should also be allowed to receive gender-transitioning treatments.
Depends on the treatment (they should be safe and non-surgical). The individual in question should a mid-to-late teenager because of this.
@9GK5Q431yr1Y
Yes, only for non-surgical treatments. Puberty blockers are fine if given parental consent, hormone replacement therapy should not be given until age 16 with parental consent.
@9FMD3YB2yrs2Y
Yes, but more research is needed
@9F9CM9C2yrs2Y
i support the pirate party
@B22G8ZN5mos5MO
A child’s brain isn’t developed until they’re 25 years old, so at the very least they should be 18. 16 for more severe cases and for puberty blockers. But don’t take away all gender reaffirming care, they should have access to psychologists to help these kids.
@9WBCNY86mos6MO
No, but provide free access to psychological, non-medical, and other support services until they reach an age roughly aligned to the age of consent
Only for people aged 16+ who have consulted medical professionals who believe that gender transition treatment is right for them, but restrict it to only treat as far as the extent that the person and the medical professionals say should be taken.
Yes, parents should be made aware of the decision of the child. Without parental permission, only children over the age of 16 can receive gender-transition treatments. The reasoning behind parents not giving permission must be recorded and displayed to the child and the doctor to assess if their reasoning is valid. If yes then the child must wait until they are 16, if not then they would be allowed. Of course, there would be a form of criteria to assess this from. Parents must be made aware at any age, but have no control over the transition treatment go ahead after the child turns 16.
@8ZJG39M3yrs3Y
No, children should not be allowed to make irreversible life decisions. They should be encouraged to live the life of the gender (including neutral) they identify with until they are legally an adult and can make these decisions for themselves
@LemonSquare2wks2W
Leave the kids alone
@B49V7794wks4W
Mentally-capable adults should be allowed to do whatever they want but children should not.
Children are not fully developed until 25, and often, especially during adolescence, they don't feel like they are their birth sex. For most, this is just a phase that they grow out of. For those who don't grow out of it, they can transition once they are 18. The suicide rate actually goes up for transgender people (especially children) after they transition, as many regret this irreversible, life-changing operation.
@B3GC5ZQ2mos2MO
Let them grow up and get through the confusion of puberty before making life altering decisions
@929T53Q3yrs3Y
Only if 16 or older and only for non-surgical reversible treatments
@9T848ST8mos8MO
They are children
Are y'all serious? These are kids one day they will be trans The next a dinosaur for goodness sakes!
@99V9YFN2yrs2Y
Yes but only when with the endorsement of a qualified medical professional
@934QDXS3yrs3Y
God decides what sex you will be
@92VQPBY3yrs3Y
Yes, with psychological assistance
@92PXL7N3yrs3Y
its a decision of the individual and the people in their life at that time
@8ZFGSBZ3yrs3Y
Yes, provided they undergo thorough physiological assessment to ensure their wellbeing
Yes, but only if they have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria by a professional psychiatrist
@8Z6Q3YKIndependent3yrs3Y
Yes but only with counselling and a receiving a clear (unbiased) understanding of the treatments.
@8Z36P773yrs3Y
No, they can’t go back or it could be forced by a parent. But make it more safe and accepted for those who do want to transition
@8Z2W5CVIndependent3yrs3Y
I do not have enough knowledge on this subject to make an informed answer
Deleted3yrs3Y
No God predestans or gender not man
maybe, needs to be assessed on an individual basis
Yes, if they have been evaluated by medical professionals who deem it reasonable.
Yes, provided that a clinical psychologist has been involved for a significant period of time to ensure it is right for the child.
@8Y22ZR4Independent3yrs3Y
@8XNFPXK3yrs3Y
Need to go through mental health supports prior to making a decision
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