Detransition: tongues wagging

On March 2, an episode of «Temps présent» evoked the subject of «gender transitions». Entitled «Détransition, ils ont changé de sexe et ils regrettent» ("Transitions, they've changed sex and they regret it"), the program - which didn't fail to spark controversy - had the merit of breaking a taboo.

Niki, a woman in her early thirties, no longer has breasts, uterus or ovaries. She has also undergone hormone treatment to take on the appearance of a man. Niki - who testifies anonymously - regrets these irreversible changes today: «Despite the fact that I'm not a woman at all (sic), I know that's what I am, because I am it in spite of myself. It's not a feeling, it's a biology.» The Valaisan is one of a growing number of former transitioners who come to regret their choices, often condemned to suffer the consequences for the rest of their lives.

Some of the witnesses in the Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) program did not go as far as mutilation. They have only begun a «social transition», which involves, for example, changing their sex at the civil registry office, changing their first name, or even wearing a "new dress". binder (a garment that compresses the chest to conceal it). What they all have in common, however, is that at some point they experienced great distress, the cause of which they thought was being born «in the wrong body».

A headlong rush

The report highlights the ease with which young people «questioning their gender» can access «sex-change therapies». Among the most striking facts: in Switzerland, puberty blockers can be prescribed at the age of twelve; at fifteen, breast removal and hormone treatment are authorized. All of which is a source of confusion for some parents, who are at a loss when faced with their children's demands. Today, more and more parents, as well as scientists, are trying to express their concerns on the subject.

Read also, in free access on bonpourlatete.com | | Trans, detrans: alerts for a scandal foretold (by Anna Lietti, October 2021)

The report also confirms the inordinate importance of social networks in gender issues. Very early on, and very easily, they bring young people into contact with «trans propaganda», in the words of the mother of a pre-adolescent who wants to change sex. Add to this the omerta that reigns on the subject. A Vaud teacher has to testify anonymously for fear of losing his job. Detransitioners who regret their choice say they are harassed by the trans community. And the journalists from «Temps présent» regret that they were unable to find any professionals working with young trans people willing to talk on camera. A must-see report.

Write to the author: antoine.bernhard@leregardlibre.com

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