Florida's Department of Health Denounces Gender Reaffirming Treatment for Youth
Inside the department’s proposed changes.
This past Wednesday, Florida’s Department of Health (FDOH) shared a document that advised against treatments for gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is defined as “strong, persistent cross-gender identification associated with anxiety, depression, irritability and often a wish to live as a gender different from the one associated with the sex assigned at birth.”
With these changes, transgender youth will not be able to undergo gender reaffirming surgery or even dress as the sex they most identify with, as the FDOH considers it a risk.
Florida has become increasingly anti-LGBTQ+ with the recent passing of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Anti-queer legislation is being pushed in other areas like Texas, as well. Such bills result in devastating consequences for youth seeking gender affirmation transitions and treatment. It reveals a larger national attitude of phobia and also, a crack in the federal system of checks and balances.
Here are the changes that have been proposed:
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Social gender transition should not be a treatment option for children or adolescents.
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Anyone under 18 should not be prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy.
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Gender reassignment surgery should not be a treatment option for children or adolescents.
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Children and adolescents should be provided social support by peers and family and seek counseling from a licensed provider.
