@EllieRuth @drrjv So one thing that's really important to realize: The alternative to gender-affirming care is very frequently depression and suicide. We could decide gender affirming care should wait until adulthood... but we can't stop kids from killing themselves before then.

So the question you need to ask is very simple: Which is worse, trans kids or dead kids? I think anyone with a shred of humanity must conclude we should provide gender-affirming care.

@EllieRuth @drrjv People dealing with gender dysphoria are depressed and suicidal *before* any medications.

And while there are one or two banner cases transphobic people cling to, reversion is very uncommon, and if they change their minds as an adult... no problem, they're an adult! And while suicide is awful at any age, in such a scenario, that person lived significantly more years because they transitioned, even in the unlikely scenario they regret it later.

@EllieRuth @ocdtrekkie For me the real question is why not let the parents, the child and the doctor (who is the recognized expert) decide what’s best rather than the Government? Why should you or Ron DeSantis have any say at all?

While I’m a physician, I know I am not an expert in this area and clearly and happily would defer to an appropriate specialist to help make the right decision in concert with the parents and patient.

@EllieRuth @ocdtrekkie The whole issue is ridiculous! Look at what Kansas passed, a law that affects 3 kids (2 of whom graduate in a few months, so really 1 kid!)

“Currently, the legislation will affect three student-athletes in the state”

Don’t they have more serious problems to deal with? I’m really incensed with the Republicans banning books over guns, banning abortion and cutting child support and destroying the economy (esp if McCarthy defaults debt ceiling!)

https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article273997945.html

@EllieRuth @drrjv The sports topic is pretty interesting because it highlights an uncomfortable truth about how we handle sports: The existing systems are already inherently sexist, with different guidelines and expectations based on gender. Sports teams have generally decided "lower expectations for women", and as a society we are okay with that? Somehow?

It's probably the only area of transgender politicking I think is probably a legitimate position to discuss.

@EllieRuth @drrjv It's both unfair to demand transgender individuals play sports with a different gender than they identify, and it also probably renders the whole point of "womens' sports" irrelevant if the only way to be on top is being transgender.

I am not sure either option is fair or reasonable though. Perhaps we need to obliterate gendered restrictions on sports.

@EllieRuth @drrjv "People have accepted that" is the sort of thing people used to justify segregation and sexism historically. The fact that we currently gender sports does not make it okay.

Bathrooms are really easy: Outlaw gendered bathrooms. The idea that anyone can see you in a bathroom is a travesty. Everyone should have individual genderless bathrooms. Society can afford to do this. Like, at minimum, stall walls should be floor to ceiling.