Minors: How to Actually First Do No Harm
Minors and HRT
I'm not going to reply to it. I haven't thoroughly read it. I had my face bashed in a few days ago and I'm not fully recovered and don't need drama.
I think there are valid concerns about giving HRT to minors and I know the trans community mostly doesn't want to hear that. But years ago I had an exchange with someone online who was very concerned about a trans youth they knew who wasn't eating enough and I suggested to them that the reason for that might be a desire to suppress puberty, even if not consciously.
I don't remember the discussion well. It was a long time ago and I don't remember details. My reasons for telling them that thought were kind and I do recall feeling like they did feel relieved or reassured or something. I think they thought the person was suicidal and not eating was a form of self harm and my suggestion that it might have a constructive purpose seemed to help them.
I think a situation that makes a growing adolescent undereat is one that should be taken seriously and I do feel that case is strong evidence some kids absolutely do NEED HRT.
I don't think the trans community is doing itself any favors by trying to adamantly insist on access to care. It might be more effective politically to focus on trying to find best practices for sorting out which kids REALLY need this.
It would certainly be a best practice medically to work on figuring out a robust means for helping physicians to confidently determine the answer. Without that, there's no meaningful way to "First do no harm" to the youth in question which actively encourages people to err on the side of denying treatment to cover their own asses.
I'm not going to reply to it. I haven't thoroughly read it. I had my face bashed in a few days ago and I'm not fully recovered and don't need drama.
I think there are valid concerns about giving HRT to minors and I know the trans community mostly doesn't want to hear that. But years ago I had an exchange with someone online who was very concerned about a trans youth they knew who wasn't eating enough and I suggested to them that the reason for that might be a desire to suppress puberty, even if not consciously.
I don't remember the discussion well. It was a long time ago and I don't remember details. My reasons for telling them that thought were kind and I do recall feeling like they did feel relieved or reassured or something. I think they thought the person was suicidal and not eating was a form of self harm and my suggestion that it might have a constructive purpose seemed to help them.
I think a situation that makes a growing adolescent undereat is one that should be taken seriously and I do feel that case is strong evidence some kids absolutely do NEED HRT.
I don't think the trans community is doing itself any favors by trying to adamantly insist on access to care. It might be more effective politically to focus on trying to find best practices for sorting out which kids REALLY need this.
It would certainly be a best practice medically to work on figuring out a robust means for helping physicians to confidently determine the answer. Without that, there's no meaningful way to "First do no harm" to the youth in question which actively encourages people to err on the side of denying treatment to cover their own asses.
Footnote
Originally published elsewhere on 11 June 2025.