In support of gender affirming care

It has been a few weeks since the Alberta government announced plans to restrict access to gender affirming care for transgender children, including the use of puberty blockers (even with parental consent). This follows a growing and disturbing trend that runs completely counter to medical and psychological science. As a psychologist who works with trans teens and their families, as well as trans adults, I want to provide some information for those navigating their way through understanding this issue, and resources for those who want to advocate for change.

In light of these concerning developments, I believe it is imperative for psychologists and their associations to take a clear and unequivocal stance in support of transgender and gender-diverse youth and their families. As a psychologist grounded in science, my position aligns with the position statement set forth by the American Psychological Association, which emphasizes the following key points:

1. Supports access to affirming and supportive treatment for trans and gender-diverse youth and their families, including appropriate mental health services, and when indicated, puberty suppression, and medical transition support.
2. Opposes all legislative and other governmental attempts to limit access to these services for trans and gender-diverse youth, or to sanction or criminalize the actions of physicians and other clinicians who provide them.

The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) has also published a position statement on the promotion of gender
diversity and expression and prevention of gender-related hate and harm. You can download and read this document here.

Resources to support the right to gender affirming care

Below are a few resources that provide information on the impacts that anti trans legislation has on 2SLGBTQ+ people, particularly children and teens, and how to counter misinformation and myths with facts.

• ‘The young people feel it’: A look at the mental health impact of antitrans legislation - The American Psychological Association: Psychological science points to an increased risk of suicide and poor mental health amid a record number of bills aimed at restricting the rights of the 2SLGBTQ+ population.
  
• Addressing the recent attack on 2SLGBTQ+ rights in Alberta: How to speak to concerns by those misinformed: This is a living document created to provide some possible responses when having discussions with people about the recent policies announced by the Alberta government.
• The New York Times's War On Trans Kids [TEASER] - If Books Could Kill Podcast: This episode includes some good myth-busting, particularly about the “risks” of puberty blockers. Note that you have to be a Patreon subscriber to hear the rest of the show; proceeds will be donated.
  

In addition, here are some petitions you can sign if you're based in Alberta:

• Tell Danielle Smith: leave trans youth alone
•  Tell Premier Danielle Smith: Retract Harmful Anti-Trans Policies Now
• Take a Stand for Queer and Trans Students

And if you live somewhere else in Canada, you can sign Petition e-4666.

I hope you'll join me in advocating for the safety and support of all 2SLGBTQ+ youth, which must necessarily include gender affirming care.