Children and so-called "gender affirmation care"...

 First and foremost, it's important to note that every individual deserves the right to live as their true selves, regardless of their gender identity. For adults who have decided to undergo gender affirmation care, it's crucial that they have access to the resources they need to feel comfortable and recognized in their own bodies. This can include hormone therapy, gender confirmation surgeries, or other forms of medical intervention.

However, when it comes to children, the conversation becomes more complicated. While it's important to validate and support young people as they navigate their gender identities, it's also essential that we prioritize their long-term health and well-being. This means protecting them from body mutilation or drugs that suppress natural hormones until they are old enough to make informed decisions about their bodies.

There are a few reasons for this. First, children's brains and bodies are still developing, which means that the full extent of the consequences of gender affirmation care for young people is not yet fully understood. Second, children can be easily influenced by adults or societal pressures and may make decisions about their bodies that they later come to regret.

Instead, it is recommended that children struggling to understand their gender be given access to qualified therapists, who can help them explore their identities while providing important information and insights. Only after thorough evaluations and a consistent period of exploration, should any form of medical intervention be considered.

Ultimately, the conversation surrounding gender identity and gender affirmation care is an important one, and it's essential to balance the needs and rights of individuals with the need to protect the health and well-being of our younger generations.