Editorials / Opinions

Abby, 12 years old, was encouraged to come to the Art class after school. She attended with her parents' permission. The Art class became a secret club for transgender. The homeroom teacher gave a presentation that this was a secret club and went on to say sometimes we do not feel comfortable in our bodies, which means you should have been born as a boy. If you are not comfortable there is a medication you can take, and it will help you be more comfortable. "Now remember, what we say here stays here, so do not mention it to your parents."

In time Abby told her parents. They complained to the teacher. Either she or the school board turned them in to Social Services for ill treatment of their child. They spent a year trying to untangle this web. Dealing with Social Services and a daughter so confused she threatened suicide. They pulled their children out of school, "The best decision we ever made". Thankfully, they have passed this trauma, but it has left a mark on the whole family.

Puberty blockers are considered "off label" to use that have not been approved by the Food and Drug administration. What is lacking is the specific studies to look at the effects of puberty blockers. Delaying puberty for too long can have a long term impact on development physically, emotionally and socially. Patients are warned they may have a higher risk of heart disease or diabetes, the risk of blood clots increase for those who start estrogen. The risk of cancer is unknown and is included in the warnings that doctors give their patients. Taking cross hormones can reduce fertility. The financial cost of puberty blockers is $1200 per month for injections and can range from $4,500 to $18,000 for an implant. The stakes are super high and we do not have all the answers.

Mayo Clinic states that gender dysphoria is included in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association.

If transgenders took a DNA test, they would find out what gender they were assigned at birth. It is sad that they do not trust their Creator. Genesis 1:27-28 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them."

Sincerely,

Betty Hendsbee, Sebring, FL