New US survey shows that transitioning leads to more happiness and better health among trans people

Survey shows that the main reason trans people stop transitioning is transphobia.

Over at Erin in the Morning S. Baum presents findings from the largest survey ever conducted on trans health in the U.S., the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey, led by Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE).

Over 84,000 trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals participated, providing a comprehensive look at their experiences.

One major finding challenges the “detransition regret” narrative often pushed by right-wing politicians and media.

The study reveals that only 0.36% of transitioned individuals chose to stop transitioning due to personal realization—while most did so because of social pressure, discrimination, or lack of support from their families and communities.

The survey highlights the life-saving benefits of gender-affirming care, with 98% of respondents who received hormone therapy and 97% who underwent gender-affirming surgery reporting increased life satisfaction.

It also shows disparities in healthcare access among trans individuals, particularly affecting trans people of color. Mental health challenges remain a concern, with 44% of respondents meeting criteria for serious psychological distress, far above the 4% national average.

S. Baum: “Largest Trans Survey Ever: Top Reason Trans People Stop Transitioning Is Transphobia”

US Trans Survey
PDF of report here.

Image: Gender Spectrum

Are trans women more likely to be sex offenders compared to non-transgender women?

If we compare cisgender (non-trans) female sex offenders with transgender female sex offenders, would the data show that trans women are more dangerous that cis women?

Rachel Saunders has conducted a systematic review of UK sex offender statistics as part of her PhD.

She found that police records only track victim sex rather than offender demographics. Similarly, UK courts do not publicly disclose data on defendants’ gender, making it difficult to assess the rates of female-perpetrated sexual offenses.

Citing studies and Freedom of Information requests, Saunders estimates that women may commit between 5–20% of all sex offenses in the UK, though exact figures remain elusive.

Forensic psychologist Dr Joe Sullivan has suggested the number of women sexually abusing children is much higher than conviction rates would suggest. Male teenage victims may for instance be reluctant to come forward because of a fear that their experience will not be viewed as abuse. Moreover, people are less likely to believe that women can commit sexual offenses, as this does not fit with the gender stereotypes.

It is clear that cis women are responsible for much more sexual abuse than trans women, but then again there are more cis women out there than trans women.

Saunders argues that the data suggest that trans women are not more likely to be sex offenders than cis women. She writes:

Cisgender women … have a ratio of 100:1 to 500:1 depending on how you wish to measure it. Already the ratio is two orders of magnitude. Thus, if one out trans woman is arrested and charged with a sexual offence in a given year she is already statistically inside the 100:1 to 500:1 ratio and it would take 100 to 500 cisgender women to ratio that.

The data itself suggest that this is within the bounds of actual cisgender female sexual offences conviction rates in the UK, so 1 trans woman per year fits a normative sexual predation pattern in the UK. 

However, Saunders also warns that the data is flawed and that there in reality “is no way to know for sure what the actual ratio truly is.”

Based on the data available Sanders argues trans women who transitioned prior to their crime commit such crimes at least two orders of magnitude less than cisgender women.

So to sum up: There is no data that shows that trans women are more likely to be sex offenders than cis women.

However, anti-trans activists and journalists use individual stories to create the impression that trans women are more dangerous.

Read Saunder’s article: “Female sex offenders”

Photo: sakhorn38

Norwegian doctors and gatekeepers stop transgender kids from getting the treatment they need

Over at Crossdreamers we examine the struggles faced by transgender youth in Norway, particularly regarding access to gender-affirming medical treatment.

The Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten has presented “Stina”, a 13-year-old who was denied puberty blockers by Rikshospitalet, the national medical institution for gender treatment.

After years of evaluations and meetings, her family relocated to Oslo to seek treatment at Health Station for Gender and Sexuality (Helsestasjon for kjønn og seksualitet, HKS), which adopts a much more affirmative approach.

Rikshospitalet has grown increasingly cautious with providing puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormones to minors, citing concerns over long-term effects. They classify such treatments as “experimental,” which has led to delays and restrictions for young trans individuals.

But here’s the thing: Withholding treatment can cause greater harm than potential side effects, increasing mental distress and suicide risks among trans youth.

Stina’s family describes how delays and mandatory evaluations worsened her emotional state, eventually making her unable to attend school. Her mother emphasizes the importance of bodily autonomy and the right for individuals to choose what feels right after being informed of treatment effects.

Ingun Wiik of HKS likens Rikshospitalet’s treatment model to conversion therapy, suggesting that it pressures trans youth into accepting the gender they were assigned at birth. The debate underscores broader medical and ethical concerns regarding transgender healthcare in Norway, as Rikshospitalet attempts to shut down HKS, limiting treatment options for trans youth.

Read the whole article here!

For more on the trans clinic of the Oslo University Hospital, see our article: What Transphobic Norwegian Doctors can Teach Us about the Diversity of Transgender People

Photo of Stina’s shoes by Charlotte Førde Skomsøy/Aftenposten.

Olympic gymnastics star Simone Biles has publicly criticized former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines for her ongoing opposition to transgender athletes.

The confrontation unfolded after transgender softball pitcher Marissa Rothenberger led her high school team to a state championship victory in Minnesota. Rothenberger’s standout performance was met with backlash from Gaines, who called her a “boy” and condemned her participation in girls’ sports.

Biles quickly responded, calling Gaines a “sore loser” and urging her to stop bullying trans kids. She suggested that instead of exclusion, sports could adopt a transgender category across all disciplines.

For many transgender athletes and advocates, Biles’ vocal support is a landmark moment. Her influence as one of the greatest gymnasts in history adds weight to the fight for trans rights in athletics.

Transvitae has more.

Human Rights Watch has released a report detailing the impact of bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth in the United States.

The report, titled “They’re Ruining People’s Lives: Bans on Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth,” argues that these bans violate fundamental human rights, including the right to health and personal autonomy. It draws from 51 interviews across 19 states, capturing testimonies from trans youth, parents, and healthcare providers.

The report highlights the emotional, financial, and logistical strain these policies place on families, forcing many to relocate or pay out-of-pocket for care in other states. Some clinics have even faced violent attacks.

Human Rights Watch warns that such bans drive trans youth toward depression and suicidal ideation, disrupting their ability to thrive.

More here.

Judge Stops US Federal Prisons From Enforcing Trump’s Trans Care Ban

The Marshall Project reports that a US federal judge has temporarily blocked the enforcement of President Trump’s executive order banning gender-affirming care for transgender individuals in federal prisons.

The ruling, issued by Senior Judge Royce Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, requires the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to continue providing hormone therapy and social accommodations, such as access to gender-affirming clothing and undergarments.

The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU and the Transgender Law Center, argues that the executive order violates federal law by failing to consider the medical needs of transgender inmates.

Lamberth criticized the BOP’s response as “arbitrary and capricious,” noting that officials had not studied the potential harm caused by the policy. The ruling applies to all transgender individuals in federal prisons, not just the plaintiffs.

Read the story here: Judge Stops Federal Prisons From Enforcing Trump’s Trans Care Ban, For Now

New transgender BBC drama: What It Feels Like for a Girl

The BBC’s new drama What It Feels Like for a Girl is based on Paris Lees’ memoir and follows Byron, played by Ellis Howard, as they navigate their queerness and trans identity in early 2000s Nottingham.

Byron encounters The Fallen Divas—Lady Die, Sticky Nikki, Dirty Damian, and Sasha—who shape their journey of self-discovery. The series also features drug dealer Liam, Byron’s father Steve, and mother Lisa, each playing a role in their turbulent coming-of-age story.

Described as “visceral, essential viewing,” the eight-part series premiered at SXSW London and is now available to stream on iPlayer. Cast members, including Laquarn Lewis, Alex Thomas-Smith, and Adam Ali, bring depth to the characters, portraying themes of friendship, survival, and identity.

The show has been compared to Pose and Skins, highlighting its raw and emotional storytelling.

More over at Pink News: Meet the cast of ‘essential’ BBC trans drama What It Feels Like for a Girl

Kate Nash releases pro-transgender song attacking TERFs like JK Rowling

Kate Nash has released a protest song titled GERM, which directly condemns transphobia and misogyny in the UK. She is clearly addressing the toxic hate of British “gender critical” TERFs (i.e. so-called “trans-exclusionary radical feminists” like JK Rowling.)

“Girl listen up, You’re not radical,” she sings. “Exclusionary, regressive, misogynist. Germ! Germ! Nah, you’re not at rad at all.”

The song responds to a recent UK Supreme Court ruling that legally defines women by biological sex, excluding transgender women. Human Rights Watch has warned that this decision could endanger transgender individuals in the country.

In GERM, Nash challenges anti-trans narratives, including concerns about bathroom safety and women’s sports. She highlights statistics on violence against women committed by cisgender men and the rise in anti-trans hate crimes.

She sings: “I feel no threat from any trans person that might be in the toilets.”

Following the ruling, Nash joined other British artists in expressing solidarity with the trans community. She will premiere GERM live with The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the Mighty Hoopla Festival in London on May 31st.

You can read more about it here.

You can watch the lyric video here.

US LGBTQ adults see more acceptance for lesbian, gay and bisexual people than for non-binary or transgender people

A new Pew Research Center report examines the experiences of LGBTQ Americans today, focusing on social acceptance, discrimination, and identity. It highlights that while most LGBTQ adults see growing acceptance for gay and lesbian individuals, fewer believe the same for transgender and nonbinary people.

The study, based on a survey of 3,959 LGBTQ adults, explores how the 2015 Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage influenced public attitudes.

Key findings include that majorities of LGBTQ adults expect acceptance to continue increasing, with religious and political representation seen as important factors.

However, discrimination remains a concern, particularly for transgender individuals, who report higher rates of mistreatment in healthcare and employment.

The report also discusses coming out experiences, the importance of LGBTQ identity, and connections within the community. Overall, it presents a nuanced view of progress and challenges faced by LGBTQ Americans today.

Note how visibility reduces the ability of bigots to dehumanize lesbian and gay people. More people know gay people than trans people. If you know someone who is L, G, B, T etc. it is harder to hate them.

You can read the full report here.

Most LGBTQ+ adults feel Americans don’t accept transgender people, Pew poll finds

Sir Ian McKellen will open Shakespeare play with trans and nonbinary cast

Sir Ian McKellen (known as Gandalf) will open a historic production of Twelfth Night, featuring an all-trans and non-binary cast.

The one-night-only rehearsed reading, staged by the theatre group Trans What You Will, will take place at The Space Theatre in London on July 25, 2025, and will be livestreamed globally. All profits will go to the UK-based trans charity Not A Phase.

The production reimagines Shakespeare’s gender-fluid classic through a trans lens, emphasizing themes of mistaken identity, cross-dressing, and shifting gender roles.

Director Phoebe Kemp describes the reading as an act of joy, solidarity, and protest, celebrating trans and non-binary artists at a time when trans representation is under threat.

‘Twelfth Night already toys with gender and performance—it feels like Shakespeare wrote it for us,’ they tell Metro.

The event is scheduled ahead of London Trans+ Pride.

See also: Pink News and DNA

You can buy tickets here.

You might also be interested in: “William Shakespeare’s Love for a Transfeminine Crossdreamer”