Texas Dem supports ban on ‘gender modification’ for minors, says ‘hostile activists’ now attacking her

A Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives broke ranks with her party and voted in favor of banning so-called “gender-affirming” treatments for minors.

In a letter published on Friday, Texas state Rep. Shawn Thierry explained her reasoning.

“Today, I voted to raise the age to 18 for children to receive GnRH-analogs, (i.e. “puberty blockers”), cross sex hormones, and to undergo irreversible surgeries when experiencing gender dysphoria,” she wrote. “After hearing from constituents, listening to stakeholders, and reviewing the scientific data in this country and around the globe, I am assured that this position is rooted in sound policy which supports the health, development, and overall well-being of minors.”

“As a nation, most adults have been united in at least one basic premise–that children deserve special protections and exceptional treatment under the law,” she continued, citing as examples “restricting the age to 18 for tattoo services, tanning bed treatments, and in raising the age to 21 to purchase tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes.”

“These policies and regulations are in place because we recognize that children should be protected from actions and activities which have harmful health risks, or lifelong consequences,” Thierry said. “This same logic must also apply when approaching the very complex issue of treating gender and body dysphoria in children.”

In the letter, which sparked fury from liberals and cheers of gratitude from conservatives, Thierry noted that concerns “have been raised that hormonal suppression of puberty may permanently alter a child’s neurodevelopment.”

“It is only honest to admit and accept that little is known about the long-term effects of prescribing taking GnRH-analogs, (i.e. “puberty blockers”) and cross-sex hormones to children as young as 8, 9, and 10 years of age solely for the purpose of affirming gender dysphoria,” Thierry wrote. “What we do know is that these drugs can cause harm to a child’s health including early onset of osteoporosis, incontinence, increased risk of blood clotting, stroke and heart attack, infertility and sterility.”

“Moreover, the decision to undergo body altering surgery to remove healthy breast tissue in biological females, or to remove male genitalia on biological males, cannot be reversed,” she stated. “While these surgeries should happen after the age of 18, there is no such law codifying this in Texas without the passage of SB 14.”

Though the legislator acknowledged that the issue of “gender and body dysphoria in children” demands “careful consideration, caution, and compassion,” she says she is being attacked online by “hostile activists” for her vote.

“Sadly, the discussion has become polarized and politicized. In fact, while many of my constituents encouraged me to vote in favor of this legislation, hostile activists on social media platforms have made nasty political threats to influence my vote against this bill,” she wrote. “These personal, and even racist, attacks on me as an African American woman are neither productive nor persuasive.”

Still, the personal attacks have persisted.

In response to her letter, liberal activists are now calling for her job as they call her names.

“Disgraceful and harmful,” stated actor and gay activist George Takei. “You should be ashamed. And primaried.”

Another Twitter user accused Thierry of throwing “trans families under the bus.”

“You betrayed trans kids and their families. You should be ashamed,” the user wrote. “And this should be the last year you ever hold your seat for taking this horrifying vote.”

“Wild to admit you’re a dangerous transphobe out loud,” stated a third user. “Hope you’ve enjoyed your last term.”


But from the right, Thierry was showered in gratitude.


“Thank you for voting to protect children,” replied the popular “Gays Against Groomers” Twitter account. “This shouldn’t be a political issue and we are grateful to you for being brave enough to take a stand.”

Melissa Fine

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