A recent report undermines the claim often made by transgender activists that gender dysphoric minors who do not receive sex changes, or what they call “gender-affirming care,” are at heightened risk for suicide. The study, “Review of suicides and gender dysphoria at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust,” was recently published by the UK government, and it concludes that there is no surge in suicides among young patients at a gender identity clinic in London.
Professor Louis Appleby, who led the study, was tasked by Health Secretary Wes Streeting to examine the evidence following allegations put forth by LGBT activists that restrictions on puberty blockers were leading to increasing suicide rates. Instead of supporting these claims, the report stated that there is no major rise in suicide in gender dysphoric patients at the Tavistock clinic.
The report criticizes how the issue is discussed on social media, calling it “insensitive, distressing, and dangerous.” It takes issue with the validity of the claims that have been made public and suggests that there needs to be greater focus on providing non-judgmental acceptance in healthcare beyond simply administering puberty-blocking drugs. It also calls for the collection and use of high-quality data to ensure safety for these at-risk young individuals.
The report’s findings contradict common narratives put forth by trans activists and suggest that these inaccuracies do more harm than good for gender-confused children.