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Original poster

Stuck between two sexes

41 replies

BovaryX · 25/01/2020 06:29

There is an interview with Keira Bell which is quite distressing to read. She describes growing up as a tom boy and feeling alienated and isolated from her peers during adolescence. She was referred to CAHMS, then Tavistock and rapidly put on the hormone pathway. No other therapy was suggested. She had a double mastectomy in Brighton at 20. None of the doctors who saw her warned her about the serious medical implications of the drugs. Menopausal symptoms, brittle bones at the age of 20. She has been subjected to traumatic and potentially life altering events. Because she didn't conform to rigid sex stereotypes. The bravery and resilience shown by this elegant young woman are admirable. What has happened to her is a disgrace. Those in the medical profession responsible for this will be indicted by history's judgement.

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ScrimshawTheSecond · 25/01/2020 10:45

This is utterly heartbreaking. She's had such a painful life, I so hope she can find peace now. In awe of your bravery, Keira. Go well.

DuLANGMondeFOREVER · 25/01/2020 10:38

(PS, I heard a rumour that Stuart Lorimer will be ceasing to provide ‘bridging’ prescriptions for newly diagnosed Gender Dysphoria sufferers this coming April. Perhaps he took some of the Detransitioners stories on board? Or perhaps he simply realises that the bubble is bursting for some of these young FTM patients and the court cases are inevitable?)

DuLANGMondeFOREVER · 25/01/2020 10:34

Keira was the second young woman to speak at the Manchester Detransitioners event, one of two who chose to speak before the cameras were switched on, for privacy reasons.

She must’ve come so far, in such a short time, to now be a claimant on the application for judicial review and speaking to the national press.

I suspect this demonstrates the enormous value of bringing women together, especially those with shared experiences, in order to gain new strength.

Keira is a warrior woman, for sure.

SapphosRock · 25/01/2020 10:19

I think this is the main issue that is going to lose the public's support for TRAs. I've heard it suggested by some activists that all children should take puberty blockers until they're old enough to decide what gender they want to be.

Once these kind of arguments come out into the open it will expose the harmful ideology that is being pushed by the extreme TRAs

Original poster
BovaryX · 25/01/2020 07:51

The medical establishment and 'experts' are going to have to face the reality and consequences of their practices

In the era of lessons learned as a paradigm for protecting the establishment from the consequences of their actions? I hope so. The sub rosa veil which hides this from public scrutiny and debate? That is finally being challenged.

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NonnyMouse1337 · 25/01/2020 07:47

Heartbreaking story. She is so brave to publicly share her experiences in detail. I hope she eventually finds a way to feel comfortable and happy with her body.

The medical establishment and 'experts' are going to have to face the reality and consequences of their practices. Puberty blockers after only 3 appointments!!!!

NotBadConsidering · 25/01/2020 07:44

We know there are approx 260 children on/been on puberty blockers at the Tavistock alone. It’s thousands of children worldwide.

Scandalous.

Original poster
BovaryX · 25/01/2020 07:42

^the Tavistock, she says, there was 'no resistance' to her dream, even though she was little more than a child. Keira had entered puberty and her periods had begun. 'The Tavistock gave me hormone blockers to stop my female development. It was like turning off a tap,' she says. I had symptoms similar to the menopause when a woman's hormones drop. I had hot flushes, I found it difficult to sleep, my sex drive disappeared. I was given calcium tablets because my bones weakened*

Douglas Murray makes the point that children can't distinguish fantasy from reality. One expects adults to know the difference. One expects members of the medical profession to refrain from putting a vulnerable young girl on a hormone pathway without exploring a range of therapeutic alternatives. Keira Bell states that she is giving this interview as a warning to other girls. She also makes the point that she embarked upon this treatment before the recent increase in its popularity How many more Keira Bells will emerge in the future?

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Original poster
BovaryX · 25/01/2020 07:25

at 16, her sex drive disappeared. why is our society celebrating doing this to children?

That is an excellent question. The doctors involved in this will be indicted by history's judgement.

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Original poster
BovaryX · 25/01/2020 07:23

Moles
I thought the interview with Keira Bell merited its own thread because I think what she says is so compelling. In an environment where an Oxford university professor requires bodyguards to escort her to lectures because of her feminist perspective? Keira Bell is very brave to speak out. I hope she is not subjected to the intimidation and abuse so many other women have suffered.

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BernardBlackMissesLangCleg · 25/01/2020 07:21

After three one-hour appointments, she was prescribed hormone blockers to halt the development of her female body

what the actual fuck? to put someone on a path to destroying their body with such little preparation

'I had symptoms similar to the menopause when a woman's hormones drop. I had hot flushes, I found it difficult to sleep, my sex drive disappeared. I was given calcium tablets because my bones weakened.'

at 16, her sex drive disappeared. why is our society celebrating doing this to children?

It seems incredible, but Keira claims she was not warned by the Tavistock therapists of the dreadful symptoms ahead. 'My female hormones had been flushing through my body and, suddenly, a curtain came down on them. It felt pretty bad,' she recalls ruefully.

pure negligence in my view

SapphosRock · 25/01/2020 07:13

Interesting I've seen Pink News share a couple of articles on puberty blockers recently and the comments have been very mixed. Lots of trans people highlighting the negative side effects they weren't aware of. I would say the majority were skeptical that the positives outweigh the benefits. It will be interesting to see how this case pans out.

MoleSmokes · 25/01/2020 07:12

Just posted this on another current thread that moved on to talk about the same article - it is a long post so I thought I had better link rather than copy and paste Smile

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3802699-Sue-Evans-no-longer-lead-claimant-on-GIDS-case-has-been-replaced-by-detransitioner-Keira-Bell-who-had-her-puberty-blocked?msgid=93398748

Langsdestiny · 25/01/2020 06:44

Dear god. We are going to look back at this with absolute shame.

borntobequiet · 25/01/2020 06:43

It doesn’t surprise me that no one informed this poor girl of the devastating effect puberty blockers would have. The physiological and psychological effects of female hormones are routinely minimised by medical professionals, which is why PMS/PMDD and the effects of menopause are often not taken seriously.
Any parent of girls with two brain cells to rub together should be horrified by Keira’s story.

Original poster
BovaryX · 25/01/2020 06:34

Why did the NHS let me change sex? Witness in court battle speaks out www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7926675/Witness-court-battle-against-gender-clinic-reveals-happened-cry-help.html?ito=native_share_article-masthead

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