Tragedy

 From First Things:

Transhood follows the families of four gender-confused children in Kansas City over five years. It is presented as a beautiful story of children exploring their gender identity in an evolving culture. But what it actually showcases is the tragedy unfolding in homes across America as the rates of children and teens who claim they are “trapped” in the wrong gender—and then socially or medically “transition,” often with the support of their parents—skyrocket. A few years ago, .002–.003 percent of girls in the U.S. identified as transgender; now, that number is 2 percent and rising fast. And much of the harm being done to young people via puberty blockers and hormones—which cause infertility and damage vocal cords, reproductive organs, and bone density—is irreversible. 

Studies show that over 80 percent of children with gender dysphoria grow out of it and become comfortable in their own bodies. But these days, they only get that chance if the trans movement doesn’t get to them first. Consider the film’s portrayal of seven-year-old Avery Jackson, who cannot explain why he decided to identify as a girl at the age of four. “I just started dressing like a girl, and everyone didn’t like it.” His mother Debi jumps in to note that Avery had insisted he was a girl. Debi, we learn, has become a trans activist. She informs Avery that he’s going to be the author of a transgender awareness book. “Pretty cool,” he says unenthusiastically. 

Avery is so obviously boyish that Debi feels the need to explain. “I just happen to have a tomboy trans-girl,” she says. “She was assigned male at birth.” She assures the filmmaker that thus far, this is only a social—not a medical—transition: long hair, female clothes, pronouns. Debi has gone all-in on it. First, she told his story anonymously to a newspaper. Then, she gave a speech about Avery that went viral. “She was very proud of being transgender,” says Debi.

If that’s true, Avery doesn’t say so. A photographer from National Geographic shows up, and Avery yells at his mother: “You put me in everything! I don’t approve of it!” Debi tells him she’s arranged for him to be the grand marshal of a gay pride parade and asks if he still wants to do it. “I don’t want the parade,” says Avery. “I don’t wanna die.” Debi admits that her parents—Avery’s grandparents—are concerned that she is using Avery for fame and attention. They’re worried that Avery will never be able to change his mind and live as a boy later on because his mother has put him on a public pedestal. (Read more.)

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