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Experiences of detransitioners

Recent research among detransitioners (including Vandenbussche 2022, published in the Journal of Homosexuality) inventories the reasons given.

Reasons

Recent research among detransitioners (including Vandenbussche 2022, published in the Journal of Homosexuality) inventories the reasons given. Frequently cited reasons are: becoming more accepting of their birth sex, complications or side effects, the experience that underlying mental problems were not resolved, pressure from social environment, and a reorientation of identity (for example as gay or lesbian).

Variation

There is no single profile. Some detransitioners stop after brief hormone use, others after surgery. Some still identify as transgender or non-binary after detransition; others identify again with their birth sex.

Clinical implications

These experiences point to the importance of thorough diagnostics, room for doubt during the treatment trajectory, and well-available care for those who want to detransition — without judgement and with attention to both medical and psychological aspects.