In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Ximena Lopez discuss the challenges faced by transgender youth, emphasizing the importance of gender-affirming care. Dr. Lopez explains the difference between sex and gender, noting that gender dysphoria is distress caused by a mismatch between one's gender identity and sex assigned at birth. She describes treatment options, including puberty suppression and hormone therapy, which can significantly improve mental health and reduce suicidality, particularly in teens. Dr. Lopez also criticizes state bans on gender-affirming care for minors and cites numerous studies showing its benefits, as well as discusses the inconsistencies in hormonal therapy for children and teens.

Key Takeaways:

• In medicine and psychology, gender and sex are two different things. While aligned in most people, they are not aligned in those individuals on the transgender, nonbinary, or intersex spectrum.

• Adults who transitioned later in life typically knew they were different when they were young, but didn’t have the language or awareness.

• When a child comes out as transgender, most parents are typically in denial. It is not until their child or teen is depressed and often suicidal, that the parents are willing to take the next steps with their child.

• Gender-affirming care at the beginning of puberty can help to pause the puberty of the incorrect gender where changes happen that cannot easily, if at all, be reversed later in life.

• Puberty suppression can be reversed on the off chance the individual changes their mind.

"Most of the stress comes from the adult world, and if the adults are transphobic and influence their kids to be transphobic, then we can also see kids who are transphobic, and then they can bully and discriminate. If it's a very affirming school where there are policies to protect transgender students, and the teachers and all the staff are on board, then that promotes well-being." — Dr. Ximena Lopez

Episode References:

• TEDMED Talk: How one pediatrician is supporting transgender youth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViqvPknY4HE

Connect with Dr. Ximena Lopez:

Professional Bio: https://profiles.ucsd.edu/ximena.lopez

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Threads: @critically_speaking

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.