The Cass Review isn't an academic exercise, Tara. Important international evidence from overseas being ignored isn't just arrogance, it is dangerous. The review is not a 'worthy first-attempt' for it will be consequential - these changes will take place whether funded or not. Minors and young adults will not receive the care they actually need - those receiving care will be considered as 'extreme cases' on a case by case basis - but all that depends on the government funding it anyway. Why would it?
The truth, Tara - as a British-American - is that young people in the UK have been unable to get appointments in time for decades. I knew what I was trans before puberty but didn't even try to receive the gender care I needed because there was a 5 YEAR waiting list for even an initial appointment - not even treatment. Very few trans kids have received treatment, let alone good treatment, at all.
Finally, when you say that the existence of gender dysphoria as young people does not mean that it will exist as an adult - that is *exactly* what transgender healthcare is supposed to do. It treats the dysphoria with the goal of limiting it / it no longer being present with the person in question living the life as they need. The absence of dysphoria does not mean the absence of happiness or a successful treatment outcome - far from it. Detransitioners are important, of course, and their stories need to be considered to ensure the system is a good as it can be - but as search a tiny, tiny portion they are not, by themselves, a condemnation of gender-affirming care (no matter how weaponized their stories are).
The Cass Review makes valid points, which everyone has commented on and agreed with. Yet there are also several areas that are legitimately and seriously concerning to transgender people and healthcare professionals in the UK. If this were written in a different time - should J.K. Rowling and the very real anti-trans hatred that has been fomented throughout the UK - I wonder if the Cass Review would be the same and say the same things. I honestly doubt it.
You are so intelligent Tara and you write some really good stuff, even if I don't always agree with you - but that is a good thing sometimes. I just want you to know that it is better to learn to love yourself - and your people - than to hate yourself, Tara. It is hard when the entire world tells you that you are the bad guy or girl.
You deserve the love and support of the community through good and bad, just like any of us. I really hope you have found that - and if not, I really hope you find it. ❤️
