In a recent YouTube video, Konstantin Kisin and Francis Foster, the hosts of Triggernometry, took viewers inside the often-secretive world of transgender clinics, shedding light on how these specialized medical centers actually function. This eye-opening look featured a former employee sharing their firsthand experience.
The Ex Employee’s Journey
The video began with an interview between the hosts and the former clinic employee, referred to as Jamie, who identifies as progressive and is married to a transgender man, describing a journey from initial enthusiasm to deep worry about what she witnessed during her time working at the clinic.
No Protocols
One of the most striking aspects Jamie highlighted was the lack of established protocols. Despite being operational for over a year, the clinic reportedly functioned with a disorganized approach, which surprised Jamie considering the seriousness of medical care.
A Dramatic Increase
Additionally, the clinic experienced a dramatic increase in patient numbers, growing from an expected 50 to nearly 2,000 during her time there.
Social Contagion Phenomenon
Jamie attributes this surge, in part, to a potential social contagion phenomenon among young people. They observed a rise in the number of girls seeking treatment, particularly those susceptible to social influences. The hosts shared that this aligns with observations in other areas where adolescent girls have been shown to be more vulnerable to social trends.
The Clinic’s Language
The interview delved into the clinic’s language and ideology. Jamie explained that terms like “boy” and “girl” were discouraged, replaced by phrases like “assigned male at birth” and “assigned female at birth”.
The Importance of Biological Sex
Interestingly, Jamie acknowledged the reality of biological sex, particularly in emergencies where medical decisions depend on it. However, within the clinic, the focus remained on gender identity.
Keep Pace With Pronouns
Staff felt pressure to keep pace with frequent pronoun and name changes, sometimes facing criticism from activists who objected to using terms like “preferred name”. The hiring practices also appeared to favor LGBTQIA+ activists, potentially creating an echo chamber within the clinic.
The Issue of Hormone Therapy
Jamie’s concerns grew as the number of new patients seeking hormone therapy escalated. They expressed dismay at situations where children, who may have just announced a non-binary identity days prior, were on the fast track for hormones.
Rushed Medical Interventions
As the interview concluded, Jamie shared that the established referral network appeared to lack therapists who would explore the root of these feelings, potentially leading to rushed medical interventions.
Share Your Thoughts
So what do you think? How can transgender healthcare providers navigate the delicate balance between affirming patient identities and ensuring responsible medical practices?
