Editor:
I want to thank Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert for his welcomed and show of solidarity to the 2SLGBTQ+ users of the Bow Valley area in the Feb. 8 Outlook.
Dr. S. Pappas ‘ view in the Feb. 29 Outlook deserves a reply.
Over the course of my decades of practice, I’ve seen lots of female dysphoric patients, many of whom reside in the Bow Valley. I’m guided by both the peer-reviewed writing and my skilled training and experience.
I concur with many of Dr. Pappas ‘ well-informed assertions that human brain development continues well into the middle of the 20th century. Young people are prone to impulsive choices, frequently motivated by cultural force. They require the assistance of well-informed, invested people. Never have I met a parent who does n’t want their child to be happy, but sometimes it’s not in their best interest to make a decision that could harm the young person. Like harms can include severe emotional distress and depression in the case of trans youth who are denied access to gender-affirming care.
As per Premier Danielle Smith’s suggestion as a federal mandate, the delay of puberty-blocking drugs until 16 is a supply of potential harm to trans youth. These drugs act as a temporary and removable stop to physical maturation, particularly the development of secondary sex traits like voice and breast deepening. Youth who perceive themselves as being of a sex that is not compatible with their delivery gender may experience significant distress as a result of these body changes.
Numerous research, including those of thousands of children, have been conducted on the use of puberty filters, which show improved emotional and psychological functioning, social interaction, and less depression in adulthood. A few studies did n’t uncover any benefits. Side effects may occur, such as low bone mass. If a youth also consumes gender-affirming hormones like testosterone or estrogen, their long-term reproduction results may vary. All of this information underscores the need for specialized care for trans youth, which includes the person and their social support systems: the doctor, ideally their counsellor, often a cultural worker, and of course, the person.
Before a thorough analysis for a treatment of gender dysphoria, typically by a physician like myself or a psychologist like Dr. Pappas, no medications are prescribed. The choice to recommend is not taken lightly nor is it motivated only by the youth’s desire. Bottom procedure has never been performed on children under 18 in Canada. Although I have n’t personally heard of any top surgery in under-18s, the data is difficult to locate.
Regardless of whether a trans man takes medication or not, the information clearly demonstrate that they perform best in an environment of understanding and support for their sense of self. Mayor Krausert deserves my sincere gratitude for declaring his support for the Canmore community. I object to Premier Smith’s proposed restrictions on a person’s ability to choose their care.
Suzanne Perkins
Canmore
