Detransition

"Detrans" redirects here. For the short film, see Detrans (short film).

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Detransition is the cessation or reversal of a transgender identification or of gender transition, temporarily or permanently, through social, legal, and/or medical means.[1] The term is distinct from the concept of 'regret', and the decision may be based on a shift in gender identity, or other reasons, such as health concerns, social or economic pressure, discrimination, stigma,[2] political beliefs,[3] or religious beliefs.[4]

Some studies use the term retransition rather than detransition.[5] Retransition is also commonly used to describe the resumption of transition or transgender identity following a detransition.[6]

The estimated prevalence of detransition varies depending on definitions and methodology, with estimates ranging from 1% to 8%.[7] A 2018 review on the outcomes of gender transition found a large majority of data showing positive outcomes, a few reports of neutral outcomes or null results, and no studies which reported that gender transition causes overall harm.[8] Although some studies cite a range up to 8%, this combines 3% of survey respondents who had de-transitioned at the time of the survey, along with 5% who had temporarily done so in the past.[7][9] Different methodological limitations afflict studies reporting low and high incidence.[10][11]

Formal studies of detransition have been few in number,[12] politically controversial,[13] and inconsistent in the way they characterize the phenomenon.[14] Professional interest in the phenomenon has been met with contention, and some scholars have argued there is censorship around the topic.[15] Some ex-detransitioners regret detransitioning and choose to retransition later.[5] Some organizations with ties to conversion therapy have used detransition narratives to push transphobic rhetoric and legislation.[16]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Davies was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Robinson, Max. Detransition: Beyond Before And After. Spinifex Press. p. 1-50.
  4. ^ Pray Away (Documentary). Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Former 'detransitioner' fights anti-transgender movement she once backed". ABC News.
  6. ^ MacKinnon, Kinnon Ross; Expósito-Campos, Pablo; Gould, W. Ariel (June 14, 2023). "Detransition needs further understanding, not controversy". BMJ. 381: e073584. doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-073584. ISSN 1756-1833. PMC 10265220. PMID 37315956.
  7. ^ a b Hall, Mitchell & Sachdeva 2021, "Rates of detransitioning are unknown, with estimates ranging from less than 1% to 8%.".
  8. ^ "What does the scholarly research say about the effect of gender transition on transgender well-being? (online literature review)". Cornell University Public Policy Research Portal. 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference USTS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Irwig, Michael S (September 28, 2022). "Detransition Among Transgender and Gender-Diverse People—An Increasing and Increasingly Complex Phenomenon". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 107 (10): e4261–e4262. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgac356. ISSN 0021-972X. PMC 9516050. PMID 35678284.
  11. ^ Gribble, Bewley & Dahlen 2023, p. 5.
  12. ^
    • "There is a paucity of literature." Danker et al. 2018
    • "We urgently need systematic data on this point in order to inform best practice clinical care." Zucker 2019
  13. ^ "[R]esearch in this field is extremely controversial." Danker et al. 2018
  14. ^ Expósito-Campos, Pablo (January 10, 2021). "A Typology of Gender Detransition and Its Implications for Healthcare Providers". Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 47 (3): 270–280. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2020.1869126. hdl:10810/51393. PMID 33427094. S2CID 231575978. The absence of systematic research around detransition has given rise to inconsistencies in its conceptual use and application, adding to the unclarity and confusion.
  15. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference Xtra was invoked but never defined (see the help page).