Addressing concerns
LGBTQ+ identities have been in the spotlight recently, with concerns being voiced about numerous issues, including gender affirming care, bathroom safety, and the participation of transgender persons in sports. Sadly, the political climate has not been conducive to constructive discussion, leaving many Americans concerned about the implications of LGBTQ+ inclusion. In this article, the Identiversity team shares some commonly voiced concerns along with clear and concise responses, relying as always on fact-based information.
I’m concerned about my daughter’s safety in public restrooms--
Research conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA and Harvard's School of Public Health shows that allowing transgender persons to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity does not make bathrooms less safe. But restricting bathroom access for transgender individuals has been linked with higher risk of assault on transgender persons.
I’m concerned that men are infiltrating women’s sports—
There is a critical need for more research to develop evidence-based policies for transgender women athletes. Current research, including a 2024 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, shows that transgender women who have undergone hormone therapy are no longer physically equal to men. More research is needed to understand whether they retain an advantage in competitions with cisgender women.
I’m concerned that children are getting medical treatment without their parents’ consent—
Parental consent is needed for minors to receive any form of gender-affirming care. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmentally appropriate care that involves careful consideration of risks, benefits, and other factors unique to each patient and family.
I’m concerned about children and support laws to protect them—
Laws designed to protect children are important. Unfortunately, recent legislation targeting transgender youth, including bans on gender affirming care, are having the opposite effect: research conducted by the Trevor Project demonstrates the legislation is leading to increased suicide attempts for LGBTQ+ youth.
I’m concerned that LGBTQ+ identities are trendy and just the latest fashion for young people today—
Historical research demonstrates the longstanding existence of same-sex attraction and behavior, as well as a range of gender identities and expressions across time and place, including Two Spirit persons in indigenous North American communities. There is growing awareness of gender and sexual diversity today, but that doesn't mean it is a recent phenomenon.
References:
Hamilton, Blair, et al. (2024, October 1). Strength, power and aerobic capacity of transgender athletes: a cross-sectional study. British Journal of Sports Medicine. Vol. 58. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/58/11/586
Lee, Wilson, et al. (2024, September 26). State-level anti-transgender laws increase past-year suicide attempts among transgender and non-binary young people in the USA. Nature Human Behavior. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-01979-5.epdf?sharing_token=EbX7LsH7-AF5n99850vpnNRgN0jAjW...
Rafferty, Jason, et al. (2018, October 1). Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/4/e20182162/37381/Ensuring-Comprehensive-Care-an...
Turban, Jack, MD. (2024, June 20). The Science of Trans-Inclusive Bathroom Bills. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/political-minds/202406/the-science-of-trans-inclusive-bathro...
Wills, Matthew. (2020, October 14). One Barrier to Two-Spirit History: Settler Archives. JSTOR Daily. https://daily.jstor.org/one-barrier-to-two-spirit-history-settler-archives/
