DeSantis Calls Gender-Affirming Care ‘Chemical Castration’

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called gender-affirming care for trans youth “chemical castration” during his Monday evening debate with his Democratic challenger, Charlie Crist. DeSantis said doctors are “chemically castrating young boys.” He added, “A lot of kids go through a lot of different things. A lot of the dysphoria resolves itself by the time they become adults.” As I recently reported, a new study published in The Lancet found transgender adults found 98 percent of those who initiate gender-affirming care as teens continue with it into adulthood.  Also – the effects of puberty blockers are reversible once young people go off them. It’s worth noting that the American Medical Association and the Academy of Pediatrics support age-appropriate, gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

it’s quite bleak that this is even a question at a gubernatorial debate in 2022 pic.twitter.com/4OoXjYHumV

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 25, 2022

DeSantis also defended the state’s hideous Don’t Say Gay law during the debate. Another cringe-worthy moment came when Crist asked DeSantis to promise Florida voters he will serve another full 4 years if he wins. The governor’s blank stare instead of answering the question was priceless. p.s. DeSantis is fully expected to run for president in 2 years. https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1584755338699423745