In August Jillian Spencer discussed her concerns with the affirmation model of gender transition for gender dysphoric adolescents and young adults at the Royal Children’s Hospital

A dot point summary of her presentation is:

• Before the establishment of gender clinics with a gender affirming model, the number of children / adolescents seeking gender reassignment was much smaller than today.

• A Dutch study (de Vries)  involving puberty blocking drugs, cross sex hormones and gender surgery with relatively small numbers generated much of the initial interest. The science of this study has been criticised.

• The recent very rapid rise NB in adolescent girls wishing to transition, raises issues of social contagion as a driving factor.

• Jillian was also concerned that underlying psycho social issues including depression and autism are often unexplored contributors to gender dysphoria. 

• Before puberty blocking medications, between 60-90% of subjects would become comfortable in their own body and not go through with transition.

• Puberty blocking drugs have potentially severe adverse consequences.  The degree to which these are reversible when they are discontinued is unknown.

• The claim that adolescents who are denied puberty blocking drugs / transition are at high risk of self harm is unsubstantiated.

• The Hilary Cass review in Britain highlighted these uncertainties and led to an embargo on their usage.

• In Australia, courts have recently become involved in the issue and a judge has criticised the Australian Standards of Care.

• Many gender dysphoric adolescents actually may be exploring homosexuality; Jillian is concerned the transitioning process may inhibit their ability to experience pleasure in their own bodies with appropriate partners.

Jillian's expressing some of these concerns, NB about an approach of unconditional affirmation at the QCH, led to a complaint and her being stood down.  

Several reviews of her status are currently underway.