‘Trans children more likely to be white and privileged’ says head

[hholiday]

In The Times today. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/education/article/trans-children-white-privilege-katherine-birbalsingh-73d578v7q

There is no statistical evidence of the headteacher’s claim in the article (it’s anecdotal, based on the fact she teaches at an inner city London school and says it’s not really an issue there). And the Cass review and others have given other explanations for the transgender trend among young people, eg autism. But I thought it was really interesting it was being discussed at all - and so bluntly. It would be interesting if this view does get looked into a bit more, as I suspect if there’s one thing likely to bring the transgender movement skidding to a halt among kids, it would be the idea that it’s something for the rich and privileged.

Yes there are different routes to trans ID and as I said different cohorts, but I don’t like this implication that because children are more privileged their problems are more frivolous or less important. I would view it more that trans ID is an available explanation and apparent solution for a range of experiences of feeling different, distressed (especially girls feeling alienated from their changing bodies), and powerless or unheard. I think it’s a false solution but compelling because of the idea you can escape yourself. Middle class kids also can have serious mental health issues, be bullied, be alienated, and be abused etc and end up seeking this kind of solution. All girls have to face the complexity of growing into an adult female body. And looked after children are more likely to be exposed to abuse, neglect and have little power in their lives. But we don’t have to compare children and decide some are more legitimate than others.

Agreed. The commonality in all this is that the majority of children are highly vulnerable with numerous co morbidities, the majority have been failed by their trusted adults in that they generally failed to safeguard them for numerous reasons. And that they've been influenced and used by some of the most unsuitable adults to be allowed near children and young people.

Hopefully now that the bullying #nodebate is at an end, accurate informed data is finally being collected about these vulnerable children / young people.

As an adopter I knowa lot of trans kids. They are all white, brought up by middle class parents. All have an asd diagnosis, sen. The overlap of multiple issues is strong.

Interesting https://x.com/prof_curiosity1/status/1927298447301878092