Chloe Cole, a self-described “former trans kid” who went through a double mastectomy at the age of 15, recently received a notification from Instagram stating that her profile violated their rules for being “violent.” The notification seemed to imply that the strike was in response to her description of her transition and detransition journey in her profile, where she states that she started hormone therapy and blockers at 13, had a mastectomy at 15, and detransitioned at 16.
In addition to the censorship, Cole also received a notification that her account would not be shown to non-followers, and her content would not appear in places like Explore, Search, and Feed Recommendations. Cole expressed her frustration with this situation, stating that she is using her own experiences to raise awareness and encourage compassion, and it is upsetting that her message is being hidden from those who need to hear it the most.
Cole has been vocal about her advocacy against children transitioning, using her own story as a cautionary tale. She was placed on puberty blockers at 13 and started testosterone later that year. At 15, she underwent a double mastectomy, only to detransition a year later. She is currently suing her medical providers, alleging malpractice and failure to properly inform her and her family about the potential side effects of medical interventions for gender dysphoria.
Despite facing hate, vitriol, and attempts at censorship from online platforms and activists, Cole has continued her activism. She has testified before Congress and spoken at events to share her message about the need for compassion and proper therapy for children with gender dysphoria. She hopes that her story can serve as a warning against harmful medical interventions and the promotion of gender ideology to children.