As a socialist and a trans woman, I never thought Id agree with Rand Paul. But on this issue of protecting children, hes right – RT
Trans activists, like Bidens pick as assistant health secretary, Rachel Levine, say schoolkids can choose to have puberty blockers and sex-change surgery. But confused children are too young to make such life-changing decisions.
We all know the mantra by now trans women are women, and trans men are men. Deep down we may know it to be nonsense, but unless we pay it lip service we risk being labelled as bigots or worse despicable people who question the very humanity of trans people, to use the language of theNew York Times.
Victims of this ideology include women, whose boundaries and spaces are being violated by male people who claim to feel like women, and trans women like me who had been getting on with our lives. Nobody consulted with me before social justice warriors made us their cause clbre. Depicted falsely as one of the most vulnerable groups on the planet, many of us are relatively privileged, only transitioning after our male bodies helped us secure our places in society.
But the biggest casualties in my view are children. Confused young people, perhaps struggling with identity and nascent sexuality, are being told that if they are unhappy with their sex, then they can change it, with potentially disastrous consequences on their bodies. Nevertheless, this has become a major industry. The US Human Rights Campaignlists no fewer than 57 clinical care programs for gender-expansive children and adolescents in the United States and Canada alone. Puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and referrals for surgery are the go-to treatments.
Last week, Republican Senator Rand Paul decided he needed answers when Rachel Levine appeared before him. Levine is President Bidens nominee for assistant secretary of health and, like me, transitioned in mid-life after fathering children. One would expect, therefore, that Levine would be aware of the issues and dangers facing transgender-identifying children. Even so, Pauls question could not be clearer:
Dr. Levine, do you believe that minors are capable of making such a life changing decision as changing ones sex?
Levines attempt at obfuscation appeared to rely on a prepared text, Transgender medicine is a very complex and nuanced field, with robust research and standards of care that have been developed. After Paul explained his question, the exchange descended into farce when Levine again refused to answer and repeated word-for-word, Transgender medicine is a very complex and nuanced field... Paul was unimpressed at Levines reticence and noted, the witness refused to answer the question.
The video clip of the exchange encapsulates the dire state of what should be a serious political debate about the medicalisation of children:
Equally remarkable was Senator Patty Murrays response to the episode. Murray praised Levines thoughtful and medically informed responses, and even appeared to suggest that Levine had not been treated with respect.
In his questioning, Paul cited the case of Keira Bell, a British woman who had been prescribed hormone therapy as a teenager. Now aged 23, she regrets it. Recently, she brought a case to the High Court of England and Wales against her erstwhile clinic. She claimed that she had been too young to give consent. I am relieved that the courtagreed with her. Throughout childhood, I struggled with gender dysphoria and had gender affirming treatment been available to children in the 1980s I would have clamoured for it. But at best it is a palliative solution; had I taken it in my teens, I would never have had children of my own.
Following the Bell judgment, public health clinics in England and Wales can no longer prescribe puberty blocking drugs to children without the permission of a court, to protect young people from the folly of their own immaturity. But even so, children are not safe. Where there is money to be made, unscrupulous practitioners will look for openings.
On Saturday, we learned thatGender GP an online clinic working with children in the UK was prepared to use a legal loophole to supply testosterone, a class 3 controlled drug, to someone they thought was a 15-year-old girl. She was actually an undercover reporter at the Daily Telegraph. But Gender GP did not know that, having never actually met their patient, let alone examined them, and had never spoken to her parents.
Campaigning group forwomen.scot described it as a shocking dereliction of medical care.
Pictured in the featured image is Marianne Oakes, the lead counsellor at Gender GP, and a transwoman.Personaltestimony on the Gender GP website suggests that Oakes transitioned recently, having first been referred for treatment in September 2015, three months after qualifying as a therapeutic counsellor, with a view to realising my dream of working as a female therapist.
Oakes told the 15-year-old girl/Telegraph reporter that they did not require her parents permission. Staff accepted at face value the reporters stated belief that she was really male, telling her were not worried about your truth because theres no debate about that.
The Telegraph went on toreport that,
[The Prescription] was signed by a doctor in Romania, who the Telegraph has identified as a geriatrician also trained in administering Botox. GenderGP does not offer patients the chance of an appointment with her, even though she authorises the medication. Instead, they are directed to a doctor in Egypt, who told the reporter that it was excellent that, aged 15, she knew she never wanted to have children.
Appallingly, British children continue to access cross sex hormones, despite the Keira Bell judgment that they cannot even consent to puberty blockers.
Vulnerable children are being put at risk. The adults involved need to be called to account, transgender adults included. We may have first-hand experience of gender dysphoria, but we have no more idea than anyone else what it might feel like to be a member of the opposite sex. Nor can adult transitioners like Levine, Oakes or me, indeed ever really empathise with children who are being forced into life changing decisions about their future fertility before they know what it means to be an adult.
I never thought I would agree with a right-winger like Rand Paul. I started out as a socialist and I think I am still a socialist, but however wide the political gulf between us, it is transcended by something far more important the safeguarding of children.
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of RT.
Continued here:
As a socialist and a trans woman, I never thought Id agree with Rand Paul. But on this issue of protecting children, hes right - RT
- Sen. Rand Paul backs Trump's ballroom after Saturday correspondents' dinner shooting - WUKY - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Rand Paul proposes amendment to end birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants in the US - Washington Examiner - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Rand Paul on Government Accountability Office report findings: 'This seems to go on year after year' - Fox Business - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Rand Paul proposes White House ballroom bill amid security concerns and funding debate - WHAS11 - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul proposes bipartisan bill that would exempt state from federal hemp ban - LEX18 - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Trump backs Rand Paul's bill to build White House ballroom - Washington Examiner - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- SEN RAND PAUL: My plan would force Congress to stop overspending your hard-earned money - Fox News - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- SEN RAND PAUL: My plan would force Congress to stop overspending your hard-earned money - AOL.com - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- SEN RAND PAUL: My plan would force Congress to stop overspending your hard-earned money - FOX 8 TV - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Slams Republicans For Voting Against Bill To Rein In Trump Amid Iran War - HuffPost - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- 'Sooner the war ends, the better': Sen. Rand Paul hopes Iran War ends in negotiated peace - LEX18 - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul moves to protect Kentuckys hemp industry from federal crackdown - FOX 56 News - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- Rand Paul backs Trumps NATO withdrawal warning, calls Congress for debate on alliance [PHOTO] - AzerNews - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Rand Paul says he's '50-50' on running for president in 2028, 'thinking about it' - Yahoo - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul on his confrontation of Trump and Senate GOP over Iran strikes - CBS News - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Rand Paul says he's 'thinking' about running for president in 2028 - Fox News - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Rand Paul says hes 50-50 on running for president in 2028, thinking about it - 930 WFMD Free Talk - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- From Cory Booker to Rand Paul, 2028 White House speculation is already underway - Washington Times - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul on breaking away from Senate Republicans over some of Trump's policies - CBS News - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul reveals whether hed run for president in 2028 - New York Post - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- GOP Sen. Rand Paul says there is a 50-50 chance hell run for president - Washington Times - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul files bill to bar 'junk food' from federal food assistance - WUKY - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Stephen Miller is Most Unpopular Political Figure In The U.S.: Rand Paul, Scott Bessent and Pam Bondi Follow - Latin Times - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Joe Scarborough Baffled by Markwayne Mullins Cheering for the Criminal Assault of Rand Paul: Why Cant He Just Apologize? - Yahoo - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- DHS pick Mullin defends record, spars with Rand Paul at confirmation hearing - The Washington Post - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Mullin responds to Sen. Rand Paul's criticism in opening statement - NBC News - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- 'Tell the world why': Sen. Rand Paul says Markwayne Mullin condoned violence against him - KOCO - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Rand Paul demands apology from Mullin over comments on assault | CNN Politics - CNN - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Ill be a no: Rand Paul says hell oppose Markwayne Mullins DHS bid - NBC News - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Mullin gets rocky reception from Rand Paul at combative DHS confirmation hearing - The Hill - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Rand Paul says hes a no vote on Mullin for DHS secretary - The Hill - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Mullin confronted about 'anger issues' by Rand Paul in tense DHS confirmation hearing - News From The States - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Why trust a man with anger issues? | Rand Paul grills Trumps new pick as DHS head in confirmation hearing - WHAS11 - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Thune: Rand Paul, Mullin have some personal history they must work through - The Hill - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullins DHS nomination set for quick vote as of now, Rand Paul says - Politico - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Sen Rand Paul grills Mullin on past comments on assault: 'Tell it to my face' - Fox News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul and Markwayne Mullin clash at Senate hearing over past comments - NBC News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Fact-check: What Markwayne Mullin said about Rand Paul, Alex Pretti at DHS confirmation hearing - PolitiFact - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullin Nomination Advances After Tense Clash With Rand Paul - Native News Online - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul calls out Trump's Homeland nominee over past rhetoric - The Detroit News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul asked whether 'someone who applauds violence' should lead DHS in Markwayne Mullin hearing - Fortune - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Heated exchanges between Sen. Rand Paul and Sen. Markwayne Mullin at confirmation hearing - CBS News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul and Markwayne Mullin clash at hearing - NBC News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Markwayne Mullin WENT AFTER Rand Paul. But Could That Hurt His DHS Nomination? - The Hill - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Markwayne Mullin and Rand Paul clash at DHS confirmation hearing on attack response - USA Today - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Tell me to my face: Rand Paul demanded an apology from DHS nominee Markwayne Mullin. He declined. - The Boston Globe - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul eviscerates Markwayne Mullin in DHS confirmation hearing: A man with anger issues - New York Post - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Amid Rand Paul Drama, Mullin Vows Gentler Immigration Crackdown - Time Magazine - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Confronts Markwayne Mullin for Making Light of His Assault: 'Tell It to My Face' - people.com - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Rips DHS Nominee Markwayne Mullin for His Anger Issues - NOTUS News of the United States - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- 'Tell it to my face': Rand Paul confronts DHS nominee Markwayne Mullin - whas11.com - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullin makes heated case against Sen. Rand Paul as steady hand for DHS - FOX 56 News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul beef with Markwayne Mullin adds surreal layer to bizarre hearing - MS NOW - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Markwayne Mullin clashes with Rand Paul at tense hearing ahead of key committee vote - cbs19.tv - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullin confronted about anger issues by Rand Paul in tense DHS confirmation hearing - Now Georgia - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- A freakin snake? Rand Paul lights into Trump pick to lead Homeland Security - Lexington Herald Leader - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul grills Markwayne Mullin in opening minutes of DHS confirmation hearing - Fox News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullin spars with Sen. Rand Paul in explosive DHS confirmation hearing - WUHF - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- 'Tell Me To My Face': Markwayne Mullin, Rand Paul Clash In Confirmation Hearing - HuffPost - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul says he is a no vote on confirmation for Mullin - KGET.com - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullin tells Rand Paul 'we just don't get along,' but says 'let me earn your respect' - Fox News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Roll The Tape: Rand Paul Confronts Markwayne Mullin With Supercut Of His Anger Issues - HuffPost - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Tell It to My Face! Rand Paul Confronts GOP Colleague Markwayne Mullin for Celebrating Assault That Left Him Hospitalized - Yahoo - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- We Lost the Lyme Vaccine. Under Rand Paul's New Vaccine Liability Bill, We'll Lose More. - Reason Magazine - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Dem candidate Clark brings political experience in 7th District race, compares self to GOPs Rand Paul - WSAW - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was only Republican to vote for a limit on Trump war powers in Iran - The Daily Gazette - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- GOP Senator Goes Nuclear on Rand Paul: I Understand Completely Why His Neighbor Attacked Him - Yahoo - February 20th, 2026 [February 20th, 2026]
- Senate Republican: Rand Paul a freaking snake - The Hill - February 20th, 2026 [February 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul spotlights bill intended to end vaccine liability shield - whopam.com - February 20th, 2026 [February 20th, 2026]
- New research, unsurprisingly, agrees with Rand Paul, Ronald Reagan, and a growing number of congressional Republicans that Americans are paying for... - February 20th, 2026 [February 20th, 2026]
- KY Sen. Rand Paul denounces immigration agents use of force in Minneapolis killings - Richmond Register - February 20th, 2026 [February 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Plays Alex Pretti Killing During Senate Hearing: Not Even a Hint of Aggression On His Part - Yahoo - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Admit their mistakes: Sen. Rand Paul makes ICE, CBP chiefs watch shooting of Alex Pretti - Washington Times - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul teams with Democrats to push for answers into Alex Pretti shooting - Straight Arrow News - SAN - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- KY Senator Rand Paul denounces immigration agents use of force in Minneapolis killings - NKyTribune - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Rand Paul: Republicans Are on Course for a Decimating Election - The Free Press - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul criticizes DHS use of force leading up to the killing of Alex Pretti - The Courier-Journal - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Rand Paul and Democrats Demand Answers on Pretti and Good Killings - NOTUS News of the United States - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul denounces immigration agents use of force in Minneapolis killings - LINK nky - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul says "there's a loss of public trust" in ICE amid scrutiny over crackdowns - CBS News - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]