The research led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and informed by the childhood experiences of a transgender woman confirms that practices seeking to achieve cisgender and heterosexual outcomes for gender diverse children are futile and that widely cited peer reviewed research is fueling anti trans rhetoric

Published in the Medical Journal of Australia the study responds to a 1987 article centered on eight gender disordered children admitted for inpatient therapy at a psychiatric hospital in Western Australia which suggested that such therapy could correct transgendered behavior thoughts and feelings and promoted the idea that gender diverse children could be nudged into becoming cisgender adults

The original article is still cited by opponents of gender affirming care in submissions to lawmakers courts and medical regulators

Lead author Jayne MacFayden a transgender woman was admitted to the same hospital during a similar period and her childhood recollections align closely with the clinical details of one of the children

Ms MacFayden supported by her coauthors disputes some of the reported details and conclusions that therapy aimed at changing or suppressing gender diversity was effective

She shared that her experience delayed self acceptance for two decades and caused long term harm though her sense of identity remained steadfast

MCRI’s Dr Anja Ravine said that the team’s analysis of available details including Ms MacFayden’s hospital records and her personal account revealed that the therapy caused psychological harm and was ultimately in vain

She stated that inpatient treatment intended to redirect gender identity relied on denial and repression and included coercive tactics mirroring conversion therapy which is known to be highly damaging

Their research found that the child’s agency and voice were overridden they endured long hospital detentions despite objections from them and their parents discharge was conditional on showing gender stereotypical behavior and a lasting fear of re hospitalisation was instilled

La Trobe University Professor Timothy Jones a coauthor said that clear messaging from leaders in psychoanalysis psychology and psychiatry is urgently needed to counter misinformation

He explained that suppressive therapy techniques rely on installing feelings of self doubt fear shame and self loathing often leading to psychic trauma especially when administered informally without safeguards such as in homes or religious settings

He added that the 1987 article and similar publications continue to be referenced as factual in current debates to promote bans on gender affirmative care for minors and are even quoted in clinical guides

Such detrimental papers he said are fueling the escalation of anti trans rhetoric that is actively harming gender diverse children and their families

Another article co led by MCRI and published in the same edition of the journal argues that the Cass Review in England lacked expertise was influenced by stigma and misinformation and failed to provide credible evidence based guidance

The researchers expressed grave concern about its impact including bans on puberty blockers for those under 18 and the resulting harm to the wellbeing of the trans community

Source: https://www.mcri.edu.au/news/efforts-to-suppress-or-change-gender-identity-prove-ineffective-and-harmful