Transgender teens are becoming more vocal about regretting the decision to change their genders.
The number of children experiencing gender dysphoria has skyrocketed throughout the years. Between 2009-2019, children receiving transitioning treatment have increased. In the United Kingdom, the number of biological males went up 1,000%, while biological females rose 4,000%. However, the number of transgender teens in the US has doubled since 2017.
Now, the “detransitioner” teens are regretting their decisions. 23-year-old detransitioner Helena Kerschner says she first felt gender dysphoric at age 14. Helena claims Tumblr sites filled with transgender activist content inspired her transition.
“I was going through a period where I was just really isolated at school,” Helena says. “So I turned to the Internet. My dysphoria was definitely triggered by this online community. I never thought about my gender or had a problem with being a girl before going on Tumblr.”
She continued, “The community was very social justice-y. There was a lot of negativity around being a cis, heterosexual, white girl, and I took those messages really, really personally.”
Another detransitioner, Chloe Cole, says she had a similar experience when she joined Instagram at 11.
“I started being exposed to a lot of LGBT content and activism,” she says. “I saw how trans people online got an overwhelming amount of support. The amount of praise they were getting really spoke to me. At the time, I didn’t really have a lot of friends of my own.”
Chloe says she will continue to be a voice for young minors who make decisions before having the proper evaluation.
“I can’t stay quiet,” Chloe. “I need to do something about this and to share my own cautionary tale.”
