(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

I am appalled at the hate-filled diatribe, published as an op-ed, written by Mike Azinger last week. It was filled with misinformation and obvious bigotry.

The American Psychological Association and other medical organizations have called the book he quoted by Abigail Shrier a “transphobic work, camouflaged as a guide to parents and lacking evidence.”

Major medical organizations, including American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and others have published policy statements and guidelines on how to provide age-appropriate gender affirming care. All find such care to be evidence-based and medically necessary.

A 2022 study of more than 21,000 transgender adults showed that just 2.3% had access to hormone therapy in adolescence. Researchers found that access to therapy in early adolescence was associated with 60% reduction in suicidality, and access in late adolescence a 50% reduction.

Misinformation about de-transitioning abounds. The majority of people who detransition do so because of societal and family pressures and lack of access to healthcare. Surgical care for those under 18 is extremely rare. The case Mr. Azinger quoted of the 13-year-old may well be a case of malpractice but that does not mean medical care should be denied to all transgender youth.

The AMA defines transgender as “umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression or behavior does not conform to that typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth.” They are persons with parents, siblings, spouses, children and friends. They deserve to be treated with respect and not be targets of hate and violence. 1 in 4 have been targets of bias-driven assault and 40% of transgender youth have reported attempting suicide.

Acceptance and support saves lives. Young people who felt highly supported by family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who did not receive support.

One can only imagine how many young people struggling with their sexual and gender identity are filled with fear, self hatred and loathing — due to Azinger and others like him who use their political power to fan fear, hatred and divisiveness. They have made private medical issues into a political one. He seems to think we would be better off going back to the ’60s way of thinking. Back to the days when gay and transgender persons were thrown in jail simply for being themselves. Back to the days when women were unable to access birth control without a husband’s permission.

I am glad I don’t live in this man’s district and that he doesn’t represent me. I can only hope that his constituents, after seeing his bigotry on full public display, refuse to re-elect him the next time he runs for office.

Kathy Shaffer

Reedsville, Ohio