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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Vulnerable people deserve safeguards and information before decisions

Thank you for your courage and speaking out.

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!

no refunds

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

Let me guess, there is a lawsuit in the working?

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

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.