Breakpoint Forum: Following the Science on Transgender Ideology

Dr. Farr Curlin, Dr. James Cantor, John Stonestreet

One of the most common claims in recent years in the debate over transgenderism is that there is no room for debate. “The science is settled,” or so we are told, and anyone daring to challenge the consensus is shouted down as both thoughtless and heartless. It has been on this presumption that countless parents across North America have been asked, “Would you rather have a dead son or a living daughter?” That is a pretty firm conviction for medical practices and sexual ideologies that lived on the fringe until just a few years ago.

And yet, in the past few years, an increasing number of scientific studies have pushed against this supposedly settled science. Most notably, the Cass Report out of the United Kingdom has cast doubt on newly common assumptions about gender, identity, and health. While Britain and Europe are pulling back from the brink, the United States and Canada continue their transgender trajectory.

All of this is weighty and confusing. To aid you in understanding the ins and outs of recent developments, the Colson Center has put together its latest Breakpoint Forum. On September 17th, join Dr. Farr Curlin, professor of medical humanities at Duke Divinity School, and Dr. James Cantor, clinical psychologist, for a discussion with Colson Center President, John Stonestreet. We'll consider questions such as:

• How did transgenderism become so central so quickly?
• What is the Cass Report?
• Why does North America lag behind Europe in slowing transgender practices for kids?
• What’s involved in chemical and surgical transition?
• How can family members guide loved ones towards healthy practices regarding gender?
• Why has the number of transgender kids grown so much recently?
• How many people persist in gender confusion?
• What are the side effects of suppressing hormones?
• Can hormones allow an even playing field for male athletes in female sports?
• What led the medical community to waver on transgender questions?