Hello- and I am excited to speak w a parent of a gender diverse youth - but a little hesitant as the writer seems to know my position and I am trying to figure out how they actually "know this."

So let me actually tell you my position and more than position, ideas and thoughts and recommendations on this....

There is reasonable science that supports listening to patients in regard to learning more about their gender identity. It does not mean, not asking questions or asking for more time to explore with a patient- but it is important with any medical issue or developmental concern to start with the patient.

Secondly, we do NOT espouse one size fits all. We do espouse a very individualized, patient centered approach to gender as with other types of youth care we provide. There is no one size fits all for gender.

So first- it worries me that there is misinformation and mischaracterization of care and our practice.

What is the harm of seeing how a child who is "different" explore their gender? And I do NOT take the position that as the writer suggests "hat parents with underage kids who suddenly insist they are trangender but as a parent have grave concerns about the only treatment option being medical transition could be charged with medical neglect with a report to child protective services."

Again, there just seems to be interesting bias against gender diversity and helping kids figure out who they are- a generally accepted part of adolescent development.

So first and foremost- we want to get to know our kids well and there is not one size fits all.... second accurate information is helpful for all parties!



