FAQ
General Information
0.6% of the population or about 1.4 million people:
[13] Flores AR, Herman JL, Gates GJ, Brown TN. How Many Adults Identify as Transgender in the United States. Los Angeles, California: The Williams Institute; 2016.
Survey of 90,000 transgender people:
[2] James, S. E., Herman, J. L., Durso, L. E., & Heng-Lehtinen, R. (2024). Early Insights: A Report of the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey. National Center for Transgender Equality (https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/2022%20USTS%20Early%20Insights%20Report_FINAL.pdf )
Diagnosis Criteria for Gender Dysphoria:
[10] Nokoff, Natalie J. “Table 2. [DSM-5 Criteria for Gender Dysphoria ()]. - Endotext - NCBI Bookshelf,” n.d. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK577212/table/pediat_transgender.T.dsm5_criteria_for_g/
[80]Zucker, Kenneth J. “The DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Gender Dysphoria.” In Springer eBooks, 33–37, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5696-1_4
Treatment standards of care (WPATH 8)
[63] Coleman, E., A. E. Radix, W. P. Bouman, G. R. Brown, A. L. C. De Vries, M. B. Deutsch, R. Ettner, et al. “Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8.” International Journal of Transgender Health 23, no. sup1 (August 19, 2022): S1–259. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2022.2100644
Public Statements by leading professional organizations:
[71] https://transhealthproject.org/resources/medical-organization-statements/
[3] Society, Endocrine. “AMA Strengthens Its Policy on Protecting Access to Gender-affirming Care.” Endocrine Society, June 12, 2023. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2023/ama-gender-affirming-care
[4]“APA Resolution on Gender Identity Change Efforts.” American Psychological Association, February 2021 ( https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-gender-identity-change-efforts.pdf )
[5] "American Psychiatric Association. Position Statement on Treatment of Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth. American Psychiatric Association, 2024 ( https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/About-APA/Organization-Documents-Policies/Policies/Position-Transgender-Gender-Diverse-Youth.pdf )
[79] Mayo clinic publication https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/children-and-gender-identity/art-20266811
List of organizations with supportive statements:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Academic Pediatric Association
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Nursing
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians
The American College of Physicians
American Pediatric Society
Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs, Inc.
Endocrine Society
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
The Pediatric Endocrine Society
Societies for Pediatric Urology
Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine
Society for Pediatric Research
The Society of Pediatric Nurses
The American Medical Association
American Psychological Association
American Psychiatric Association
American Psychoanalytic Association
The Endocrine Society
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The American Urological Association
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine
The American College of Physicians
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology
American Heart Association
American Medical Student Association
American Nurses Association
American Osteopathic Association
American Public Health Association
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
World Medical Association
Studies backing gender affirming care
Cornell University summary of 55 studies between 1991-2017: 93% of studies demonstrated benefit and 0% showed harm.
[27] The What We Know Project. “What Does the Scholarly Research Say About the Effect of Gender Transition on Transgender Well-being? | What We Know.” What We Know, August 11, 2021. https://whatweknow.inequality.cornell.edu/topics/lgbt-equality/what-does-the-scholarly-research-say-about-the-well-being-of-transgender-people/
Health Benefits of Gender Affirming Care
[26] Restar, Arjee Javellana. “Gender-affirming Care Is Preventative Care.” the Lancet Regional Health. Americas 24 (August 1, 2023): 100544. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(23)00118-7/fulltext
Conversion therapy doubles the risk of suicide:
[6] Turban, Jack L., Noor Beckwith, Sari L. Reisner, and Alex S. Keuroghlian. “Association Between Recalled Exposure to Gender Identity Conversion Efforts and Psychological Distress and Suicide Attempts Among Transgender Adults.” JAMA Psychiatry 77, no. 1 (January 1, 2020): 68. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2285
Transition can lower the risk of suicide by as much as 67%
[7] Tordoff, Diana M., Jonathon W. Wanta, Arin Collin, Cesalie Stepney, David J. Inwards-Breland, and Kym Ahrens. “Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care.” JAMA Network Open 5, no. 2 (February 25, 2022): e220978. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0978
73% lower suicidality, 60% lower incidence of major depression:
[11] Diana M. Tordoff et al., “Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care,” JAMA Network Open 5, no. 2 (February 25, 2022): e220978, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0978
40% reduction in suicide attempts:
[12] Green, Amy E., DeChants, Jonah P., Price, Myeshia N., and Davis, Carrie K. “Association of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy With Depression, Thoughts of Suicide, and Attempted Suicide Among Transgender and Nonbinary Youth.” Journal of Adolescent Health 70 (2021): 6431 (https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(21)00568-1/fulltext )
Brain scan studies
[20] Kurth, Florian, Christian Gaser, Francisco J Sánchez, and Eileen Luders. “Brain Sex in Transgender Women Is Shifted Towards Gender Identity.” Journal of Clinical Medicine 11, no. 6 (March 13, 2022): 1582. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061582
[21] Mueller, Sven C., Antonio Guillamon, Leire Zubiaurre-Elorza, Carme Junque, Esther Gomez-Gil, Carme Uribe, Behzad S. Khorashad, et al. “The Neuroanatomy of Transgender Identity: Mega-Analytic Findings From the ENIGMA Transgender Persons Working Group.” the Journal of Sexual Medicine 18, no. 6 (May 21, 2021): 1122–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.03.079
Twin Studies:
[22] “APA PsycNet,” n.d. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-18078-004
[23] Karamanis, Georgios, Maria Karalexi, Richard White, Thomas Frisell, Johan Isaksson, Alkistis Skalkidou, and Fotios C. Papadopoulos. “Gender Dysphoria in Twins: A Register-based Population Study.” Scientific Reports 12, no. 1 (August 4, 2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-17749-0
Longest study done to date
[16] Kolk, Martin, J. Lucas Tilley, Emma Von Essen, Ylva Moberg, and Ian Burn. “Demographic Trends in Sweden’s Transgender Population (1973–2020).” SSRN Electronic Journal, January 1, 2023. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4427508
The "Swedish Study" (often mis-interpreted by politicians)
[18] Dhejne, Cecilia, Paul Lichtenstein, Marcus Boman, Anna L. V. Johansson, Niklas Långström, and Mikael Landén. “Long-Term Follow-Up of Transsexual Persons Undergoing Sex Reassignment Surgery: Cohort Study in Sweden.” PloS One 6, no. 2 (February 22, 2011): e16885. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0016885
“The conclusion that cross-sex hormone treatment increases suicide rate is completely wrong,” - Dr. Asscheman
[19] Maggie Astor, the New York Times, January 25, 2023 ( https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/us/politics/transgender-laws-republicans.html )
Critique of the "Cass Review"
[77] https://law.yale.edu/sites/default/files/documents/integrity-project_cass-response.pdf
Argument against the existence of "Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria"
[83] Coalition for the Advancement & Application of Psychological Science. “ROGD Statement — Coalition for the Advancement & Application of Psychological Science,” n.d. https://www.caaps.co/rogd-statement
Average amount of time between a child realizing they are transgender and beginning transition is 3 years
[82] McGregor, Kerry, John L. McKenna, Coleen R. Williams, Ellis P. Barrera, and Elizabeth R. Boskey. “Association of Pubertal Blockade at Tanner 2/3 With Psychosocial Benefits in Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth at Hormone Readiness Assessment.” Journal of Adolescent Health 74, no. 4 (April 1, 2024): 801–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.10.028
Regret and Detransition
1% Regret rate after gender affirming surgery (compared to tattoos 16% and having children 7%)
[61] Thornton, S.M., Edalatpour, A., and Gast, K.M. (2024) ‘A systematic review of patient regret after surgery- A common phenomenon in many specialties but rare within gender-affirmation surgery’, The American Journal of Surgery. Available at: https://www.americanjournalofsurgery.com/article/S0002-9610(24)00238-1/abstract
2.5% Detransition rate after 5 years
[57] Olson, Kristina R., Lily Durwood, Rachel Horton, Natalie M. Gallagher, and Aaron Devor. “Gender Identity 5 Years After Social Transition.” Pediatrics 150, no. 2 (July 13, 2022). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-056082
3% Detransition Rate (with another 5% temporarily detransitioning)
[58] https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/USTS-Full-Report-Dec17.pdf
50 year study shows 2% detransition rate after gender affirming surgery
[59] Dhejne, Cecilia, Katarina Öberg, Stefan Arver, and Mikael Landén. “An Analysis of All Applications for Sex Reassignment Surgery in Sweden, 1960–2010: Prevalence, Incidence, and Regrets.” Archives of Sexual Behavior 43, no. 8 (May 29, 2014): 1535–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-014-0300-8
97% life satisfaction after gender affirming surgery, 98% life satisfaction after hormone therapy
[60] https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/2022%20USTS%20Early%20Insights%20Report_FINAL.pdf
Medical Information
[62] Lick, D. J., Durso, L. E., & Johnson, K. L. (2013). Minority stress and physical health among sexual minorities. "Perspectives on Psychological Science, 8", 521-548. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26173210/
[64] “Ovary Function Is Preserved in Transgender Men at One Year of Testosterone Therapy.” Endocrine Society, November 22, 2019. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2019/endo-2019--ovary-function-is-preserved-in-transgender-men-at-one-year-of-testosterone-therapy
[65] “Hormone Therapy and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism,” n.d. https://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/womens-health/risk-of-venous-thromboembolism/#:~:text=In%20the%20landmark%20Leiden%20Thrombophilia%20Study%2C%20the%20absolute,to%20prevent%20one%20case%20of%20thrombosis%20a%20year
48,563 gender affirming surgical procedures during the 5 year period ending 2020
[66] ———. “National Estimates of Gender-Affirming Surgery in the US.” JAMA Network Open 6, no. 8 (August 23, 2023): e2330348. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.30348
Only 35% of surgical patients have had bottom surgery.
[1] Wright, Jason D., Ling Chen, Yukio Suzuki, Koji Matsuo, and Dawn L. Hershman. “National Estimates of Gender-Affirming Surgery in the US.” JAMA Network Open 6, no. 8 (August 23, 2023): e2330348. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.30348.
56 total genital surgeries on teenagers between 2017-2021
[73] Terhune, Chad, Respaut, Robin, and Conlin, Michelle. “As children line up at gender clinics, families confront many unknowns.” Reuters, October 6, 2022 https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-transyouth-care/
In 2020, 229,000 cosmetic procedures performed on children including 6000 breast enhancement or reduction and 47,850 laser hair removal
[75] https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/cosmetic-procedures-ages-13-19-2020.pdf
2.5 million cosmetic procedures on adults
[76] https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2020.pdf
General Press Coverage:
[17] Steinmetz, Katy. “The Transgender Tipping Point.” TIME, May 29, 2014. https://time.com/135480/transgender-tipping-point/
[34] Rivers, David. “Transgender Couple Become ‘first in the World’ to Have Their Own Baby.” The Mirror, September 25, 2016. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/transgender-couple-become-first-world-8913208
[78] Bickerton, James. “Neo-Nazis Shout ‘There Will Be Blood’ at Ohio Drag Event for Children.” Newsweek, March 15, 2023. https://www.newsweek.com/neo-nazis-protest-ohio-drag-event-children-1787614
Religious References
[28] Hartke, Austen. Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians. Westminster John Knox Press, 2018.
[35] Francis and Fernández, "Risposte del Dicastero a S.E. Mons. Negri," Vatican (October 31st, 2023), https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_20231031-documento-mons-negri.pdf
[29] “John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible, ‘Deuteronomy 22:5, ( https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/deuteronomy-22-5.html )
[30] https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3627/kjv/wlc/0-1/
[31] https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h1397/kjv/wlc/0-1/
[32] Mariottini, Claude. “Transvestism in Ancient Israel.” Dr. Claude Mariottini – Professor of Old Testament. https://claudemariottini.com/2009/01/26/transvestism-in-ancient-israel/
[33] https://www.the613commandments.com/The-List-of-the-613-Commandments.html
[36] Carter, Gary L. “AN APOLOGY FOR RACISM.” Washington Post, June 21, 1995. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1995/06/21/an-apology-for-racism/25ce442e-8733-47de-85b1-0dd7c7fd62ec/
[37] Kenney, David. “Black Wedding Banned by Baptist Church.” Https://Www.Wlbt.Com, July 28, 2012. https://www.wlbt.com/story/19125864/black-wedding-banned-by-baptist-church/
[38] Fannie S. Scobey, “Shall Women Vote?,” Gospel Advocate (March 27, 1913), p. 293 also see https://authentictheology.com/2019/06/06/church-of-christ-opposition-to-womens-right-to-vote-a-look-back-and-echoes-today/
[40] Rosenberg, Stacy. “Most U.S. Christian Groups Grow More Accepting of Homosexuality.” Pew Research Center, December 18, 2015. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2015/12/18/most-u-s-christian-groups-grow-more-accepting-of-homosexuality/
Legislation
[41] https://www.hrc.org/resources/state-maps
[42] “BOSTOCK V. CLAYTON COUNTY,” June 15, 2020. https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/17-1618
[43] Iowa Legislative Services Agency. “Iowa Legislature - BillBook,” n.d. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=HF2082&ga=90
[44] NBC News. “Florida GOP Legislator Apologizes After Calling Transgender People ‘mutants’ and ‘demons,’” April 11, 2023. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/florida-legislator-apologizes-calling-transgender-people-mutants-demon-rcna79063
[45] West Virginia - Senate Bill 197 https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=197&year=2024&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
[46] “Trans Porn’s Popularity Increased 75% This Year on Pornhub.” PAPER Magazine. Last modified December 21, 2022. https://www.pornhub.com/insights/2022-year-in-review
[47] https://www.genocidewatch.com/tenstages
[48] Grant, Melissa Gira. “‘Grooming’ Is Republicans’ Cruel New Buzzword for Targeting Trans Kids.” The New Republic, November 28, 2023. https://newrepublic.com/article/165761/republican-governors-grooming-crt-trans-rights
[49] NBC News. “Florida GOP Legislator Apologizes After Calling Transgender People ‘mutants’ and ‘demons,’” April 11, 2023. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/florida-legislator-apologizes-calling-transgender-people-mutants-demon-rcna79063
[50] Contreras, Russell. “The groups behind anti-trans bills in U.S. states.” Axios, March 31, 2023 https://www.axios.com/2023/03/31/anti-trans-bills-2023-america
[51] Saric, Ivana. “Trans, nonbinary lawmakers call out retaliation and smears.” Axios, April 27, 2023 https://www.axios.com/2023/04/27/trans-lawmakers-censure-state-legislatures
[52] Katie Hawkinson, the Daily Beast March 4, 2024 https://news.yahoo.com/michael-knowles-says-transgender-community-195118333.html?guccounter=1
[53] Hennessy-Fiske, Molly. “AG Ken Paxton’s Office Sought State Data on Transgender Texans.” The Texas Tribune, February 6, 2024. https://www.texastribune.org/2022/12/14/ken-paxton-transgender-texas-data/
[54] Bollinger, Alex. “GOP Lawmaker Says She Would Rather Have a Dead Child Than a Transgender One - LGBTQ Nation.” LGBTQ Nation, May 1, 2023. https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/05/gop-lawmaker-says-she-would-rather-have-a-dead-child-than-a-transgender-one/
Sports
[55] Hamilton, Blair, Andrew Brown, Stephanie Montagner-Moraes, Cristina Comeras-Chueca, Peter G Bush, Fergus M Guppy, and Yannis P Pitsiladis. “Strength, Power and Aerobic Capacity of Transgender Athletes: A Cross-sectional Study.” British Journal of Sports Medicine 58, no. 11 (April 10, 2024): 586–97. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-108029
[56] Kim, Juliana. “World Chess Just Placed Restrictions on Both Trans Women and Trans Men.” NPR, August 18, 2023. https://www.npr.org/2023/08/18/1194593562/chess-transgender-fide-pushback