A word of caution

I spoke to an ex-colleague yesterday who I knew has a 16 year old transgender teen transitioning from female to male. They were already on puberty blockers but I was surprised to learn that they were starting testosterone and that surgery was being discussed. This colleague also knows about my history. 

I could see the hesitation and discomfort on his face. I too have some reservations given his son's tender age which I shared very carefully without any sense of alarm. 

The previous case I am familiar with with another colleague is someone who did the same thing and is now 27 (same age as my daughter). The transition happened in the early 20's and at last word they were extremely happy. One would never have known from a photo that they were born genetically female. 

Apparently the doctor has assured the family that the regret rate is very low when undergoing treatment through an approved clinic and yet the tender age is still of concern to me. Given the tumult of being a teen one could imagine a scenario where one could look back in regret. My lesbian niece, who is now 24, went through a phase of questioning her gender and thought the better of it later. 

If my generation had wheels firmly stuck in the mud with few options to avoid massive pain and disruption, it appears we may have moved in the other direction a bit much. 

If I knew this trans teen I would counsel he delay just a bit longer and chew things over before any irreversible procedures. Of course easier said than done to someone of that age who feels an urgency which may or may not be entirely warranted.