“Are Trans Kids Being Mutilated?” What Parents Deserve to Know About Medical Myths
If you’re a parent of a transgender or gender-diverse child, you’ve probably heard the word “mutilation” tossed around in media, politics, or even at the playground. The word is harsh, designed to shock and scare. As a parent, nothing matters more than your child’s safety and well-being. So when you hear claims that gender-affirming care, like transgender teen therapy, is dangerous, abusive, or irreversible, it’s only natural to worry: Am I doing the right thing for my child? Could I be making a mistake I’ll regret forever?
Let’s take a deep breath and look at what the research, medical experts, and real families actually say. This post is for you—the parent who loves their child fiercely, wants the facts, and refuses to be swayed by fear or misinformation.
The Myth: “Trans Kids Are Being Mutilated”
This myth is everywhere. Some politicians, commentators, and doctors say children are rushed into surgeries or given risky drugs. They believe this is about “wokeness.” However, the reality is quite different. Major medical organizations in the U.S. and decades of research prove otherwise.
What Actually Happens: The Real Steps of Gender-Affirming Care
1. Social Transition—Not Medical, Not Permanent
For children before puberty, “transition” is entirely social. This means a child might ask to use a different name or pronouns, wear different clothes, or cut their hair differently. No medications, no surgeries—just support and acceptance as they explore who they are. If your child decides to go back to their old name or style, that’s okay too. Nothing is permanent at this stage.
2. Medical Care—Slow, Cautious, and Thorough
If a child still feels distress (gender dysphoria) as puberty gets closer, families can talk to specialized healthcare providers. The process is slow and careful. It typically involves:
Multiple counseling sessions with trans-friendly therapists.
Parental involvement and consent at every step.
Thorough medical and psychological assessments.
Waiting periods and follow-up appointments
Doctors may offer puberty blockers to youth who are in puberty and feel severe distress. These medications slow down puberty. This allows your child and family to explore options together. Puberty blockers are fully reversible: if stopped, puberty resumes as normal.
3. Hormones and Surgery—Rare for Minors, Never Rushed, 2 Parent Consent Required
Hormone therapy, such as estrogen or testosterone, may be an option for older teens. However, it requires a thorough evaluation and parental consent first. Surgeries—especially genital surgeries—are almost never performed on minors. Very few cases occur, mostly with older teens, typically around 17. They only happen after years of support and assessment. In these cases, parents and medical professionals are fully involved.
Puberty Blockers: A Safe, Reversible Pause—Not a Rush
There is no evidence that children are being rushed into permanent medical procedures. Major organizations, including WPATH and the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasize that medical care for transgender youth is conservative, cautious, and always tailored to the individual. At Arrive Therapy, we have seven years of experience helping trans kids and teens. We’ve supported thousands of families, but we’ve never seen a parent eager to push their child into any form of transition. Parents care deeply about their child's safety. They want to explore every option and are willing to wait. This helps them make careful and thoughtful decisions.
Puberty Blockers: A Proven, Reversible Option
Puberty blockers are medicines that slow down puberty for a while. This pause gives young people, their families, and doctors time to decide on the next steps. These medications aren't new or experimental. They've been used safely for decades to treat precocious puberty. This condition means puberty starts unusually early, before age 8 in girls or age 9 in boys 123. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) serve two key roles. They are used to treat precocious puberty and to help transgender youth postpone puberty 143.
Key facts about puberty blockers:
Reversible: If the medication is stopped, puberty resumes as normal 513.
No long-term side effects: When used under medical supervision, the risks are minimal. Bone health is a big concern for many. You can manage it through supplements and regular check-ups. Bone density often improves once you stop taking the medication or start gender-affirming hormones 53.
Standard pediatric practice: Puberty blockers are a proven treatment for early puberty. They are evidence-based and not seen as experimental in this case 143.
Not a new drug: These medications have been used for decades in pediatric endocrinology 13.
The Facts: What Every Parent Deserves to Know
Gender-Affirming Care Is Safe, Necessary, and Life-Saving
Gender-affirming care is not “experimental” or “unproven.” It is supported by decades of research. Every major medical and mental health association in the U.S. backs it. This includes the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Psychological Association.
Studies show that gender-affirming care reduces depression, anxiety, and suicidality in transgender youth. When kids are supported, they thrive. Transgender teen therapy can be a critical part of this support—helping teens feel understood, empowered, and emotionally safe. When they’re denied care, the risks skyrocket: higher rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide attempts.
The Process Is Rigorous and Family-Centered
No child—or parent—walks into a clinic and walks out with hormones or surgery. The process is methodical:
Multiple therapy sessions and assessments
Parental consent and involvement
Ongoing mental health support
Medical testing and documentation
The goal is to ensure that any steps taken are right for your child and your family. Providers are trained to listen, support, and move at your child’s pace—not to rush anyone into decisions. Working with a trans-friendly therapist can help ensure your child’s emotional needs are honored every step of the way.
No One Can “Make” a Child Transgender
Another myth is that parents, doctors, or schools are "forcing" kids to be transgender. But gender identity is innate—no one can make someone else transgender. Supporting your child's exploration is not the same as pushing them into anything. In fact, research shows that affirming your child's identity is the best thing you can do for their mental health and happiness.
Children often begin to form their gender identity early on. This can become clear during elementary school or sometimes even sooner. Kids as young as three or four might show signs of their gender identity. This early understanding is completely normal and part of their development. The belief that kids are "too young to know" their identity fails to grasp how identity is formed. Children develop preferences, personalities, and parts of their identity early on. Gender identity is also a key part of this natural growth.
When kids can express their gender identity—like through clothing, pronouns, or other ways—they get to explore and understand themselves better.
This Exploration is Healthy and Reversible.
Children who get support can change their minds. If they realize their first thoughts about their gender don't match how they truly identify, that's perfectly fine. Social transition is not a permanent medical fix. It helps children live true to themselves while they discover their identity.
The fear that kids can "become transgender" from seeing transgender people or online content comes from not understanding how identity develops. Children don't develop their core identity simply through exposure or social contagion. When children observe others with similar experiences, it helps them understand and express their own feelings. This process of recognition and mirroring is actually a crucial part of healthy development. When children see reflections of themselves in others, they gain a better understanding of who they are. This also validates their own experiences.
Consider How This Principle Applies Across Different Aspects of Identity.
Gay individuals grow up surrounded by straight relationships in films, books, ads, and their families. Still, this does not turn them straight. Transgender individuals often grow up in mostly cisgender settings. They see cisgender norms and expectations all around, but that doesn’t mean they are cisgender. Having access to diverse representations is important for gay and transgender youth. It helps them connect with others who share their experiences. This visibility doesn't create their identity—it helps them understand and name what was already there.
Transgender children gain important support by connecting with others like them. They can meet in person or see similar stories in the media. This helps them feel validated and understood. These connections make children feel less alone. They also give them the words and ideas to understand their experiences better. These connections are not harmful; they are often essential. They greatly support mental health and help us feel more secure in ourselves.
The Real Risks: What Happens When Care Is Denied
While the myth of "mutilation" gets headlines, the real danger comes from denying kids the care they need. In states with bans on gender-affirming care, suicide attempts among transgender youth have surged. A 2024 study by The Trevor Project found an increase of up to 72% in the year after these bans were put in place. This research represents the first peer-reviewed study to directly link anti-transgender legislation to increased suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth. Meanwhile, as of August 2024, 39.4% or 118,300 trans youth aged 13-17 are living in the 26 states that have passed bans on gender-affirming care.
Families are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and depression. Seven people even attempted suicide. This stress is linked to losing access to care. Human Rights Watch highlighted these issues in their 2025 report. Access to care varies greatly. Research shows that transgender and nonbinary youths had 60% lower odds of depression after receiving gender-affirming treatment. These treatments also resulted in lower rates of depression and suicidality over 12 months.
The Bans Have Also Created a Healthcare Crisis.
Especially for low-income and rural families, who now face enormous costs or must travel out of state for basic care. At the same time, these laws can let doctors perform unnecessary surgeries on intersex infants. These procedures can't be reversed and are done without the child's consent. Many U.S. states ban gender-affirming care for trans youth. Yet, surgeries to assign gender to intersex children are often still permitted. State lawmakers are quickly trying to block care for transgender youth. Yet, their bills continue to allow harmful surgeries on intersex infants without consent. This double standard shows that these laws aren't focused on protecting children's bodily autonomy. Instead, they aim to control gender.
What About Regret?
You might worry: “What if my child regrets this someday?” The truth is, regret after gender-affirming care is very rare. Most youth and adults who receive care report improved well-being and satisfaction with their lives. When regret does occur, it’s usually linked to external pressures—like family rejection or discrimination—not the care itself.
The process is designed to prevent regret by moving slowly, involving families, and providing ongoing support. The risk of regret is far lower than the risk of harm from denying care.
What About Surgery in Schools?
You may have heard claims that schools are "transitioning" kids behind parents' backs or even providing surgeries. There is no evidence for this. As of 2024, not a single school in the United States has provided gender-affirming surgery to a student. Medical transition is a detailed process that occurs in healthcare. It involves parents and needs close supervision.
Schools fundamentally lack the legal authority to provide medical care of any kind to students. Schools must adhere to strict federal and state rules. They cannot provide medical treatments beyond basic first aid and emergency care. School nurses usually provide over-the-counter meds, like aspirin and bandages. They need permission from parents to give these out. Schools must stick to the rules from the Department of Education, state education departments, and local school boards. They cannot ignore these rules. These rules require detailed records and parents need to be informed about any health issues. The idea that schools can do complex medical procedures or start hormone therapy is not just wrong—it’s illegal. Current healthcare rules and education laws make sure schools can't do this.
How to Support Your Child
If your child is exploring their gender identity, your love and support matter more than anything. Learning how to support your transgender child starts with showing up, staying curious, and seeking the right resources. Here’s what you can do:
Listen: Let your child share their feelings and experiences without judgment.
Learn: Seek out reputable resources from organizations like WPATH and the Human Rights Campaign.
Ask Questions: Talk to healthcare providers who specialize in gender-affirming care. They are there to help you, too.
Advocate: Stand up for your child’s right to safe, evidence-based care.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
Being a parent in today's world is hard enough. Being a parent of a transgender child can be daunting. It often feels overwhelming, especially with the misinformation around. But you are not alone. There is a community of parents, providers, and advocates who have walked this road before you and are ready to support you.
Getting support as a parent is not just helpful—it's essential. Supporting your child through their gender journey is challenging. You have your own emotions and fears to deal with too. This requires great strength, and no parent should go through it alone. It's common for parents to feel grief, confusion, or worry about their child's future. These feelings are completely normal at the start. Talking to other parents who know these feelings can give you useful advice, fresh perspectives, and the comfort that you’re doing the right thing for your child. Arrive Therapy’s Parent support groups are safe places to connect. You can ask questions, share your stories, and learn from families who have dealt with similar issues. Individual therapy, whether virtual or in person at our Paoli office, is a support you can provide to yourself while you navigate this new change in your life as well as your child’s.
Remember that taking care of yourself emotionally is one of the best ways to show up fully for your transgender child.
Take-Aways: Gender-Affirming Care is Not About “Mutilation.”
It’s about helping your child live authentically, safely, and happily. It’s about love, respect, and listening to who your child truly is. The myths are loud, but the facts—and the voices of families and experts—are even louder.
Your child deserves the chance to thrive. And you deserve the truth. Reach out to Arrive Therapy if you are seeking support for yourself or your child.
You are doing the most important work there is: loving your child. Trust yourself, trust the evidence, and know that affirming your child is the right thing to do.
Ready to Support Your Child with Transgender Teen Therapy in Paoli, PA?
When misinformation feels overwhelming, it’s okay to pause and ask questions. You deserve real answers—answers based on research, compassion, and clinical experience. At Arrive Therapy, we offer transgender teen therapy in Paoli & throughout Pennsylvania that helps families navigate this journey with honesty, care, and steady support.
We know that the idea of transition can feel daunting. But therapy isn’t about rushing decisions—it’s about giving your teen room to explore who they are in a safe, supportive space. And it’s about supporting you, too, as you face the questions, fears, and hopes that come with raising a transgender child. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here’s how to get started:
Meet with an LGBTQ-identified, trans-friendly therapist who understands
Begin a path rooted in clarity, trust, and family-centered care
Explore More Therapy Services at Arrive Therapy
Every family’s path through gender identity, mental health, and uncertainty is different—and you don’t have to navigate yours alone. At Arrive Therapy, we offer a range of services grounded in evidence, compassion, and respect. Whether you're seeking transgender teen therapy, gender therapy, counseling for gay men, LGBTQIA+ support groups, teen gender therapy, general mental health care, or assistance with surgery letters, our team is here to support you.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in informed, patient-centered care. We believe in listening to what your child is really telling you—and supporting you in that process. And we believe that thoughtful, affirming therapy can make all the difference. No matter where you are in this journey, you and your child deserve care that’s steady, honest, and rooted in truth.
Resources for Parents:
[WPATH Public Statements and Standards of Care]6
[Human Rights Campaign: Get the Facts on Gender-Affirming Care]4
[American Academy of Pediatrics: Gender-Affirming Care Policy]2
Supporting Research and Further Reading:
https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=SfQYdWPJAoY%3D&portalid
https://www.aamc.org/news/what-gender-affirming-care-your-questions-answered
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender_health_care_misinformation
http://assessment.communitycommons.org/entities/94bc1473-431b-4ff5-9a24-bd18b0b04ab6
https://opa.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-05/gender-dysphoria-report.pdf
https://www.bupipedream.com/drug-issue-2024/confronting-myths-about-gender-affirming-care/151751/
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/puberty-blockers-for-precocious-puberty.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/are-puberty-blockers-reversible
https://www.mcri.edu.au/news/insights-and-opinions/what-are-puberty-blockers
https://scienceforgeorgia.org/knowledge-base1/dispelling-myths-around-puberty-blockers/
Key Research Sources:
The Trevor Project Study (2024): Anti-Transgender Laws Cause up to 72% Increase in Suicide Attempts Among Transgender and Nonbinary Youth - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/anti-transgender-laws-cause-up-to-72-increase-in-suicide-attempts-among-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth-study-shows/
JAMA Network Open (2022): Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2789423
Human Rights Watch (2025): "They're Ruining People's Lives": Bans on Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth in the US - https://www.hrw.org/report/2025/06/03/theyre-ruining-peoples-lives/bans-gender-affirming-care-transgender-youth-us
Human Rights Campaign (2025): Map: Attacks on Gender Affirming Care by State - https://www.hrc.org/resources/attacks-on-gender-affirming-care-by-state-map
National Health Law Program (2024): Surgeries on Intersex Infants are Bad Medicine - https://healthlaw.org/surgeries-on-intersex-infants-are-bad-medicine/
PubMed/PMC: Suicide-Related Outcomes Following Gender-Affirming Treatment: A Review -https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10027312/
