Harmful contradictions of gender-affirming kids care

As a representative of The Spahr Center — Marin's primary organization identified with LGBTQ+ support — I must respond to the recently published letter titled “Create laws to control transgender procedures” on behalf of Marin's LGBTQ+ young people. Linda Menkins' proposal is worse than being nonresponsive to their needs; it is harmful. It is also hurtful to the parents of gender nonconforming kids who need all the support we can give them.

To all worried parents, your family's needs are better served with facts, not opinions. We need to entrust medical decisions to medical experts and their patients — not to the government, politicians or Menkin. Each child's needs are unique, so each child's treatment plan will be different. Most crucial is that the young person be seen, affirmed and respected by the adults in their lives.

According to the federal Office of Population Affairs, “Research demonstrates that gender-affirming care improves the mental health and overall well-being of gender diverse children and adolescents.”

The International Journal of Transgender Health publishes standards of care for children and adolescents that distinguish between “gender expression diversity” and “gender dysphoria” and guide health care professionals to individualize treatment plans so that each young person will be treated in the most appropriate way for that individual child.

The medical field does not need Menkin's treatment advice. Fact-based information is out there, free with any internet search.

The Spahr Center is here to help. We have people on staff who are experts in the needs of gender nonconforming children, teens and their families. Call us and we'll support you wherever you are.

We all want the same thing: healthy, happy, safe and wellloved children. If we dial down the hysteria and focus on facts, our children will be much better served. — Cindy L. Myers,

Spahr Center interim executive director