Amanda Familias
AMANDA is a Spanish group of parents of children and young people with gender dysphoria. The name stands for Agrupación de Madres de Adolescentes y Niñas con Disforia Acelerada. The group describes itself as independent, non-partisan and non-religious and calls for caution when providing medical treatment to minors.
What you can find
The Spanish-language site has separate sections for families, professionals and the media. It includes frequently asked questions about puberty blockers, hormones and surgery, reading lists, a short guide for therapists, an explanation of the Cass Review and the results of a survey conducted among 476 families.
Why it is included on this list
AMANDA is a prominent Spanish parental voice in the debate on rapid-onset gender dysphoria. The concept is scientifically contested. The site presents the perspective of parents and is not a neutral medical source.
Positions and demands
In its manifesto, AMANDA describes a form of gender dysphoria that emerges suddenly during puberty and that, according to the group, differs from the classical form. Seven out of ten cases are said to involve girls. The group points to co-occurring issues such as autism, ADHD, OCD and eating disorders, as well as the influence of social media. The manifesto opposes the draft Spanish trans law and sets out four demands: consultation by the government with feminists, doctors and psychologists; an investigation by the ombudsman into the exclusively affirmative approach; national standards for education; and cautious legislation that protects parental authority and does not allow changes to sex registration before the age of eighteen.
The survey
According to the survey of 476 families, 77 percent of the young people were neurodivergent or had previous mental health problems. Most had undergone only a social transition. Of the girls, 30 percent are said to have later stopped identifying as transgender, compared with 21 percent of the boys. Half of the families reported negative experiences with schools. The figures are based on information provided by parents from the group’s own network and do not constitute representative research. The claim in the manifesto that this dysphoria almost always disappears without medical transition is a claim made by the group.
Network and recognition
AMANDA is affiliated with the international initiative Protecting Puberty and lists related organisations such as Genspect, SEGM and PITT Parents. In 2023, the group received an education award from the Spanish magazine Magisterio and publishes a blog on Substack. Information on how Spain and other countries regulate care can be found under policy by country.