'I regret trusting' the doctors who pushed me to transition gender | Ritchie Herron

"I had the surgery in 2018 and instantly knew that that was not what I should have done...we need safeguards, we need protection."

Ritchie Herron says he is calling to change laws around gender reassignment after being pushed into the surgery that he now regrets.

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[sarahcurteis]

Richie, you're a very brave and remarkable person, and yes, you should have been safeguarded, not pushed down this road. I wish you all the best for the future.

[soviet]

I worry about the rising number of young autistic adults, often same sex attracted, with histories of complex emotional trauma we are seeing who are now self identifying as trans. Its fine when the person just wants to live as opposite sex, but I question hormones therapy and surgery for people while they continue to experience serious comorbid mental health issues other than gender dysphoria

[robw]

I have heard this young man speak several times, he has been through a horrific ordeal and been abused and mutilated by the medical system. I am so praying for him.

[billhawkins]

When are we going to realise we are customers, not patients.

[SilvanaDil]

Some men are more feminine. Some women are more masculine.
Leave your healthy bodies as they are!
Sex reassignment surgery should be prohibited.

[marquistf]

Surgery or discharge?! That should be criminal. What in the world is that type of policy???!!!

[crunchyfrog]

Under no circumstances should medical personnel be *pressuring* patients into going along with either hormonal or surgical treatments. There's a difference between making it available and pushing it.

[hourbee]

These so-called doctors need to be held accountable and the laws changed!

[wojteks]

The fact Times covers this story makes me appreciate them more as reliable media. Of course they will face backlash fot it, but there should be no taboo with such controversial and drastic procedures

[Dallasneedsmoreblegh]

It should be law that you have to wait until after the brain is fully developed… in your mid/late 20s. All these people keep ignoring the importance of that!

[irine]

Why are you guys blaming the doctors . It they had showed concern or stopped someone from transition.everyone would've called them transphobic and cancelled them . Own up to your own decisions

[davefisher]

If you read my Understanding The Transgender Mystery paper you would know there are 3 groups of possible transgender people. Those who WANT to be transgender, those who THINK they are transgender, and those who really ARE transgender. It's essential to discover which group they are in which takes time, love, and understanding by family members, friends, and often professional help.

It's vital to protect ALL 3 groups from making mistakes and going on hormones or getting surgery unless they are TRULY transgender.

[Kathy-Ohio]

And if the docs refused to do surgery they'd be sued for discrimination. Ultimately it's your body....choose wisely.

[Vanilla-jdez]

This is why politics should never get mixed up with healthcare. The shocking numbers of supposedly intelligent doctors that fell for this stupidity

[graemefindlater]

Elements of the trans community needs to allow for rational, safe and open debates so people like thid dont transition when they dont actually have gender dysmorphia. Safe gaurding is the key to allow those who are the dignity and safety to do so. But also to prevent vulnerable people from doing so. Lets all the stop the hatred and anger and talk again.

[tanassy]

This person just needed a common sense person to tell him what you cut once, doesn't grow back! Lack of common sense and too much political correctness lead to the permanent mutilation of this person!

[ChristelVinot]

it makes sense that the medical system wants people to have this kind of surgery because the patient often has to come back, and sometimes be on meds for life. it's just for money. the more people get surgery, the more money the medical system makes.

[Unitedflyier]

Very sad he couldn't get long term mental health help. A lot of people need help aren't getting it.

[briannas]

I'm so glad you mentioned undiagnosed autism, autism does seem to go with body dysphoria

[msbee]

This young adult is quite clear that this decision is not about age - it is about the ‘state of mind’ the person is in: he was in therapy, in a vulnerable, ‘help-me manage my issues’ situation. Their goal was to convince and gain practical experience on this young person.
How dare they.