Very interesting call last week by the White House to end the use of “conversion” therapy on LGBT youths. ABC News reported that the Obama administration is calling for an end to the use on LGBT youth of “conversion” therapy.
“This administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors,” Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to President Obama, wrote in a post on the White House website last week. This was triggered by the suicide of Josh “Leelah” Alcorn back in December.
Alcorn was born a boy who was dealing with an inner-struggle since he was four years old that he felt more like a girl. “To put it simply,” he said in a suicide note that posted to Tumblr after he died, “I feel like a girl trapped in a boy’s body, and I’ve felt that way ever since I was 4.” Josh felt his parents were never going to accept him transitioning, and he wrote how as time went on he felt more-and-more isolated. In the end, Alcorn took his life in December by stepping in front of a tractor-trailer on an Ohio Interstate.
In the note, he said, “Please don’t be sad, it’s for the better. The life I would’ve lived isn’t worth living in … because I’m transgender. I could go into detail explaining why I feel that way, but this note is probably going to be lengthy enough as it is. To put it simply, I feel like a girl trapped in a boy’s body, and I’ve felt that way ever since I was 4. I never knew there was a word for that feeling, nor was it possible for a boy to become a girl, so I never told anyone and I just continued to do traditionally ‘boyish’ things to try to fit in.”
Stock photo 123RF
This is a sad situation, but we have to be careful not to be too quick to blame anyone. Sexual transitioning is being discussed more by mainstream media, and that is a good thing, but there is a long way to go. Thanks to social media, there are communities and groups that have formed to support those dealing with gender identity. These groups have also been educating society in general about gender identity and the struggles and hurdles that these individuals face.
Actress Hilary Swank who, 15 years ago, won an Oscar for playing murdered transgender teen Brandon Teena in “Boys Don’t Cry,” said last week on the Meredith Viera show, “I think we have taken strides since that movie……. But we still have a long way to go! ….”
The firestorm on social media set off by the death of Alcorn has called for an end to “transphobia”. The national dialogue has started and that’s a good thing. Let’s remember that “coming out” is a controversial issue and is not easy, especially for adolescents. Despite that you may have trouble accepting it, you should provide emotional support to your loved one. Click here for a list of guidelines for dealing with LGBT teens.
Here is a link to Slate.com with Josh “Leelah” Alcorn’s entire note.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.
