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
- Rand Paul blocks Trumps nominee for State Department Middle East post - Washington Times - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- New Bill: Senator Rand Paul introduces S. 2733: Duplication Scoring Act of 2025 - Quiver Quantitative - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Six Penny Plan to Balance the Federal Budget in Five Years - Senator Rand Paul (.gov) - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul on a variety of issues affecting Kentucky and the country - Spectrum News 1 - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Fauci told email recipients to delete them after reading: Rand Paul - NewsNation - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Gerth: Rand Paul opposition to military action may show Trump fever is breaking | Opinion - The Courier-Journal - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Forced to Explain to JD Vance That Abitrary Killing Is Bad - The New Republic - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul is the chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee - Spectrum News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul has been serving as junior United States senator from Ky since 2011 - Spectrum News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul splits from GOP as US Senate votes down forcing release of Epstein files - somerset-kentucky.com - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- SEN RAND PAUL: The GOP once knew how to fix the deficit now theyre losing the battle - Fox News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- The government has been misleading us for years, argues Sen. Rand Paul - Fox News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Fauci ordered deletion of emails relevant to COVID-19 origins, Rand Paul alleges - Washington Examiner - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Calls Out JD 'I Don't Give A Sh*t' Vance For Bombing Stance - Yahoo News New Zealand - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul rips JD Vance's assertion that executing cartel members is the 'best use of our military' - Fox News - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Vance post on boat strike really ticked me off, Rand Paul says - Politico - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Rand Paul clashes with JD Vance over US strike on boat leaving Venezuela - Politico - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- The GOPs Elizabeth Warren: Vance happy to feud with Rand Paul - Politico - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Rand Paul speaks the truth - Forward Kentucky - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Senator Rand Paul warns tariff price increases are coming soon - LEX18 - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Former CDC official calls Sen. Rand Paul a bigoted bully in response to criticism - CNN - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Slams Trump For Unilateral Strike On Suspected Drug Vessel: 'Where Does It End?' - HuffPost - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Rand Paul called out after saying gay CDC officials lifestyle disqualified him from government - The Independent - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Homophobe Rand Paul says gay CDC official's 'lifestyle' made him unfit to be in government - Advocate.com - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Rand Paul called out after saying gay CDC officials lifestyle disqualified him from government - inkl - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Why Rand Paul says Kentucky bourbon business will continue to suffer with 'triple whammy' - The Courier-Journal - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- Rand Paul will be Kentucky's next senior senator. What that means for the commonwealth - The Courier-Journal - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- Rand Paul sounds alarm over Trump Admin buying 10% Intel stake | RISING - The Hill - August 26th, 2025 [August 26th, 2025]
- Article | Rand Paul disses Trumps plan for a government stake in Intel - POLITICO Pro - August 26th, 2025 [August 26th, 2025]
- Rand Paul will be Kentucky's next senior senator. What that means for the commonwealth - thegleaner.com - August 26th, 2025 [August 26th, 2025]
- Net Worth Update: Senator Rand Paul Made an Estimated $385.0K in the Stock Market Last Month - Quiver Quantitative - August 24th, 2025 [August 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Is Working To 'Reach A Compromise' On Hemp THC Product Laws With McConnell And House Lawmakers - Marijuana Moment - August 9th, 2025 [August 9th, 2025]
- Rand Paul warns against retaliatory tariffs: 'It's fighting words when you come after Kentucky bourbon' - Fox Business - August 7th, 2025 [August 7th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we 'aren't going to know' the motive of Trump's would-be assassin - AOL.com - August 3rd, 2025 [August 3rd, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul discusses the prospect of abolishing the Federal Reserve - Fox News - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- 'Absolutely insane': Rand Paul raises alarm by 'casually' suggesting Trump third term - rawstory.com - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- Rand Paul lost to Trump's bill, but still came out on top for July | Opinion - The Courier-Journal - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul on 'The Pelosi Act': Future presidents wouldn't be able to own things - Fox Business - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul weighs in on tariffs, FEMA reform amid looming deadline - WTVQ - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul: The market should set the interest rates - Fox News - July 30th, 2025 [July 30th, 2025]
- Rand Paul pandemic research bill breezes through Senate homeland security committee - Washington Examiner - July 30th, 2025 [July 30th, 2025]
- SEN RAND PAUL: There are $186 billion reasons why we must audit the Fed - Fox Business - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Rand Paul hints Jill Biden and Anthony Fauci could be investigated for autopen usagage - Daily Express US - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- I was the only one that opposed ex-CIA director John Brennans nomination: Sen. Rand Paul - Fox News - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- July 30 Event: Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul Discuss the Effects of Tariffs on the US Bourbon and Wine Industries - Cato Institute - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul wants DOJ to charge Anthony Fauci with lying to Congress - Washington Times - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul urges Trump DOJ to indict Fauci in test of autopen pardons - Straight Arrow News - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul: On The Case Against Socialism - Alive Tampa Bay - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul releases final report on Butler shooting without Democratic support or Republican backing - Washington Times - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Press Release: Senators Todd Young and Rand Paul Reintroduce Federal Reserve Transparency Act to Increase Oversight - Quiver Quantitative - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Rand Paul introduces bill to audit the Federal Reserve - Washington Examiner - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Press Release: Senators Rick Scott and Rand Paul Introduce Federal Reserve Transparency Act to Audit the Fed - Quiver Quantitative - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Is Rand Paul eyeing a 2028 presidential run? Here's what he had to say - Yahoo News - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul isn't ruling out another shot at the White House - WUKY - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Senator Rand Paul Reintroduces Audit the Fed Bill - Senator Rand Paul (.gov) - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Is Rand Paul eyeing a 2028 presidential run? Here's what he had to say - The Courier-Journal - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul sees cultural cover-up about Trump shooting last July - Politico - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we 'aren't going to know' the motive of Trump's would-be assassin - Yahoo - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: SENATOR RAND PAUL TRUMP, ELON & AMERICAS $35 TRILLION DEBT When the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was asked,... - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says GOP doesnt have the spine to cut spending - Washington Examiner - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul visits with Kentucky veterans at VA benefits event in Bullitt County - WDRB - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul blasts Secret Service, says we won't know Trump would-be assassin's motive - MSN - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul re-refers Fauci to Department of Justice - Washington Examiner - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we 'aren't going to know' the motive of Trump's would-be assassin - Fox News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul blasts Secret Service, says we won't know Trump would-be assassin's motive - Fox News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul says "we aren't going to know the motive" of the shooter in Trump's assassination attempt - CBS News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul accuses Secret Service of "cultural cover-up" regarding Butler shooting - MSN - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- CISA may have a Rand Paul problem - Punchbowl News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we arent going to know the motive of Trumps would-be assassin - FOX 8 TV - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Fundraising Update: Senator Rand Paul just disclosed $697.3K of new fundraising - Quiver Quantitative - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul makes remarks on tariffs, Medicaid cuts at Richmond event - WEKU - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul voted against Trump's fiscal package, but remains optimistic - Spectrum News 1 - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul defends vote against Trump's spending bill during Kentucky visit - LEX18 - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul touches on the Farm Bill, trade, and workers in Georgetown appearance - WUKY - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul says he isn't really 'optimistic' Congress will 'grow a spine' - Fox Business - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Rand Paul and House Freedom Caucus made budget bill better - Washington Examiner - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Rand Paul, thank you for standing up to Trump. Will you go one step further? | Letter - The Courier-Journal - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Fox News Host Confronts Rand Paul Over Leaked Intel - MSN - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Rand Paul rails against big, beautiful bill negotiations after all-night vote-a-rama - The Hill - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Lisa Murkowski Defends Alaska Carveouts As Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders And Rand Paul Condemn Trump's 'Big Beautiful' Bill: 'Not Good Enough For... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]