
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Nashville shooting is shedding light on the dangers of accepting “transgenderism” as “normal” instead of treating it as the emotional disorder “gender dysphoria” that it was once known as.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The subject of transgenderism has been at the forefront of public and political discourse lately in America. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There is a major focus on what is essentially a quite minor segment of the U.S. population, approximately only one and a half million people. The subject matter is deeply personal. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Because it involves identity, many hesitate to address it in an upfront, honest manner. But that is exactly what we should do. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Affirming feelings instead of treating root causes may seem like a solution, but it only masks the true reason for the discomfort, confusion, and often self-loathing that could have motivated Audrey Hale to kill, according to her manifesto.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The surging rate at which children in the United States are struggling with and seeking help for gender and identity problems is extremely alarming. In 2017, new gender dysphoria diagnosed for children ages 6-17 numbered 15,172. In 2021, that number was 42,167.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Today, rather than trying to treat gender dysphoria as we would other emotional problems, care takes the form of social recognition of a preferred name and pronouns” to medical interventions such as hormone therapy and, sometimes, surgical mutilation. A small but increasing number of U.S. children diagnosed with gender dysphoria are choosing medical interventions to express their identity and help alleviate their distress.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The skyrocketing rate of transgenderism among minors grows as a fad, aided by peer pressure, social media, and adults who would prefer to calm the waters and appease them through hormonal or surgical &#8220;solutions.&#8221; But these solutions are anything but harmless.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That medical and mental health professionals would prescribe or suggest surgery to treat what is essentially a mental health condition, not connected to reality, is a gross injustice. It is as barbaric as the way lobotomies – where portions of a patient&#8217;s brain were removed – were once the standard of care for schizophrenia!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The soaring rate of minors being diagnosed with and treated for gender dysphoria is climbing because these professionals are reinforcing the entire dynamic. They offer unbridled support that gives young people what they want instead of prescribing what they need.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If medical and mental health professionals want to meet the needs of their gender dysphoric patients, they should approach each with an unbreakable combination of facts and kindness. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Otherwise, they are not truly working to improve physical or mental health. If the rage present in society is any indication, ignoring the truth will only make things worse for everyone.</p>

Nashville Shooting and Consequences of Accepting Gender Dysphoria
