When to Transition

For John, BLUF:  Since we are currently going through an orgy of self-recrimination over the sins of our ancestors, it might be worth asking about what we are doing that future generations might frown upon.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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The Bravery and Brilliance of Detransitioner Chloe Cole

From Stream, by Mr Mark Judge, 11 January 2023.

Here is the lede plus one:

“So who’s your favorite band?”

Chloe Cole doesn’t hesitate to answer.  “I like all kinds of music,” she says.  “I listen to everything.  I like all of it.”

It’s not a surprising answer. Cole, 18, has become a popular face of those who are raising serious questions about transgender ideology. Cole, who grew up in Northern California, was 11 years old when she was first exposed to gender ideology via online platforms.  She was also diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age 7, things she says are “common comorbidities with gender dysphoria.”  Cole was put on puberty blockers and testosterone at 13 years old, and then underwent a double mastectomy at 15.

Cole spoke about her ordeal Tuesday at the Heritage Foundation, and to see and hear it live was incredibly powerful.  It also explains why after the talk I went up to her and asked this brave and brilliant teenager who her favorite band is.  After hearing her explain the trauma she endured, I just felt like I wanted Cole to be able to express some joy.  For me, joy has always come from popular music.  Cole’s answer that she “likes everything” did not surprise me.  She has a capacious mind and speaks with incredible eloquence and the ability to hold several thoughts in her mind at once. She also likes art and graphic design.

A hundred years from now, assuming our republic holds together, our successor may look back on us and condemn us for child abuse in terms of transitioning young people between genders.  This is not to say all such transitioning should be stopped.  We have been doing medical transitions since at least post World War II, for example, Chritine Jorgensen, a World War II Army Veteran.

The issue is, do those under the eage of 18, 21 or 23 have the mental maturity to make serious, informed decisions with regard to gender reassignment actions.  I would think that decisions and actions should be delayed at least until the age of 18, and perhaps 21.  Full mental and emotional maturity is reached around age 23.

We should not be treating every child with a learning disability as a candidate for transitioning.  Nor should we be recruiting individuals for transitioning through our actions toward children, such as Drag Queen Story Times in public libraries.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff