Waiting Until Eighteen Is Not a Neutral Option
Recently, the conversation surrounding gender identity and the importance of providing gender-affirming care to transgender and gender-diverse individuals has shifted as anti-trans rhetoric and legislation gains traction across the country. Much of this legislation targets care for individuals under the age of eighteen, often arguing that there is no harm in delaying medical intervention until adulthood despite clear and consistent evidence to the contrary. In this blog we will examine why preventing youth from accessing care, or delaying care until adulthood, can have harmful consequences and advocate for a more inclusive and timely approach to gender-affirming care.
Identity Exploration & Mental Health
During childhood and adolescence, individuals experience a critical period of self-discovery and identity exploration. For transgender and gender-diverse youth, delaying gender-affirming care until adulthood can exacerbate the distress they face. Research shows that early identification and intervention significantly improve mental health outcomes for transgender individuals. Research also shows that delaying can lead to heightened dysphoria, depression, anxiety, and an increased risk of self-harm and suicide in some cases.
Puberty & Irreversible Changes
Puberty is a pivotal stage in a person's life, during which irreversible physical changes occur. For transgender individuals experiencing the wrong puberty can be distressing and traumatic. Waiting until adulthood to provide gender-affirming care often means individuals must endure the irreversible changes associated with their assigned sex at birth, making it more difficult to achieve their desired physical appearance later on. This delay can lead to heightened dysphoria and may necessitate more invasive and expensive interventions, such as surgeries, to align their bodies with their gender identity. Access to timely gender-affirming care, such as hormone blockers for example, can provide relief and prevent the development of secondary sexual characteristics that may intensify feelings of gender dysphoria. Blockers can also allow children and adolescents the time and space to explore their gender identity without the added stress and discomfort of going through the wrong puberty.
Supporting Autonomy & Medical Decision Making
Denying gender-affirming care until the age of eighteen assumes that individuals cannot make informed decisions about their own bodies and identities until they reach adulthood. However, many jurisdictions recognize the capacity of minors to make decisions regarding their medical care, including gender-affirming treatments. Respecting the autonomy of transgender and gender-diverse youth allows them to access the care they need to alleviate distress and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, delaying care can perpetuate feelings of invalidation and erasure, reinforcing the notion that transgender identities are somehow less valid or important than cisgender identities.
The Bottom Line
Delaying gender-affirming care until a child reaches the age of eighteen can have detrimental consequences for their mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Recognizing and supporting gender diversity at an early stage can provide vital affirmation and support to individuals who are navigating their identities. It is essential to advocate for an evidence-based approach that allows transgender and gender-diverse youth to access timely gender-affirming care in collaboration with family and medical experts, providing them with the opportunity to live authentically and thrive.
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Take Action Today!
Go to the Protect Trans Youth page for ways to take action, resources, and suggestions for where to donate your time and money.
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