Last updated on August 12th, 2024 at 09:25 am
Cristina Hineman, a 20-year-old former homeschooler, underwent a major transformation in her life after joining public school. She had known since the age of 12 about her attraction to girls, although she was at peace with her female gender. However, her interactions with a social group in public school, all of whom identified as a gender different from their biological sex, led to a drastic change. Hineman started identifying as “non-binary,” before later identifying as a “trans man.” She began consuming prescription drugs to change her appearance and had a double mastectomy surgery.
Regrettably, mere weeks after the surgery, Hineman realized that she regretted her decision. By this time, however, the damage was done and irreversible. As part of the increasing number of young adults dealing with the fallout of being misled into believing that their underlying issues could be solved by drugs and surgery, Hineman lodged a lawsuit in April 2024 against Planned Parenthood and several others.
The suit highlights the role of pro-trans online content and her environment in influencing her decisions and the failure of health professionals in addressing her severe mental health issues and Asperger’s Syndrome. The transition to remote learning due to the pandemic further exacerbated Hineman’s mental health concerns.
In her lawsuit, Hineman voiced regret for the physical and mental transformation she underwent as a result of the hormone prescription and “top surgery.” She suffered severe physical and emotional trauma following the operation and has started detransitioning.
Now grappling with serious side effects from prolonged testosterone use and surgery, including physical discomfort, facial hair, and numbness, Hineman has joined forces with Transition Justice, a project of Partners for Ethical Care, to seek legal redress. Earlier this year, a Texas law firm specializing in detransitioner cases brought a lawsuit on her behalf against Planned Parenthood, Dr. Rockmore, and other providers.
Hineman wishes more caution had been exercised in her decision to identify as trans and calls for more mental health support for young people in her position before they embark on life-altering decisions such as transitioning. She is part of a growing number of detransitioners speaking out to prevent others from enduring similar negative experiences.