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The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) is a socially conservative organization of activist pediatricians. They are designated as an anti-LGBTQ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Members have consistently taken a stand against gender affirming models of care for trans and gender diverse youth. With only about 700 members, ACPeds are a conservative fringe group within pediatrics, only about 1% of the size of mainstream organization American Academy of Pediatrics. With about 67,000 members, the American Academy of Pediatrics remains supportive of gender affirming care for youth.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center:

The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) is a fringe anti-LGBTQ hate group that masquerades as the premier U.S. association of pediatricians to push anti-LGBTQ junk science, primarily via far-right conservative media and filing amicus briefs in cases related to gay adoption and marriage equality.​

SPLC (2023)

LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization GLAAD notes that the group:

  • opposes same-sex marriage
  • opposes same-sex adoption
  • opposes abortion
  • opposes gender-affirming care for youth
  • opposes LGBTQ youth access to sports
  • opposes drag queen story hours
  • supports non-affirming models of care for gender diverse youth, including conversion therapy
  • claims “transgenderism is a belief system that increasingly looks like a cultish religion”
  • claims LGBTQ activists “have pedophilia intrinsically woven into their agenda”

In 2021, The Ruth Institute and the anti-trans American College of Pediatricians founded the website TransRegret as a “support” site for questioning and people with transition regret, similar to anti-abortion “crisis pregnancy” projects that target pregnant people weighing their options. It claims “puberty blockers & crosssex hormones may actually make you feel worse! These drugs are not proven safe to use for gender identity distress. Puberty blockers & cross-sex hormones have potentially permanent side-effects and increase serious health risks.” They quote Swedish psychiatrist Christopher Gillberg, who claims trans healthcare for minors is “possibly the biggest scandal in medical history.”

In 2023 ACPeds launched an anti-trans website called Biological Integrity. The site has misleading information about trans healthcare.

Key people

Board

  • Michael Artigues
  • Jane Anderson
  • Tom Benton
  • Christina Chan
  • Scott S. Field
  • Salwa Gendi
  • Russell Gombosi
  • Mark Grubb
  • Patricia Lee June
  • J. Wells Logan
  • Renata Moon
  • David Olson
  • L. David Perry
  • Robin Pierucci
  • Richard Sandler
  • Jill Simons
  • Ron Smith .
  • William Stigall
  • Den A. Trumbull
  • Kimberly A. Vacca
  • Leah Willson
  • Nick Yates

2018 letter to Trump Administration

In 2018, a consortium of anti-transgender activists associated with ACPeds petitioned the Trump Administration with the goal of “upholding the scientific definition of sex in law and policy,” adding “an individual who identifies as transgender remains either a biological male or female.”

Signatories

  • Michelle Cretella, M.D. Executive Director, American College of Pediatricians
  • Donna Harrison, M.D. Executive Director, American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • David Stevens, M.D. CEO, Christian Medical and Dental Associations
  • Peter Morrow, M.D. President, Catholic Medical Association
  • Stephen M. Krason, Ph.D. President, Society of Catholic Social Scientists
  • Paul McHugh, M.D. University Distinguished Service Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School and the former psychiatrist in chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Michael K. Laidlaw, M.D. Endocrinologist and member of gdworkinggroup.org
  • Craig Stump M.D., Ph.D., FACE Endocrinologist, University of Arizona College of Medicine
  • Paul W. Hruz M.D., Ph.D. Pediatric Endocrinologist, Physician-Scientist, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Associate Professor of Cellular Biology & Physiology
  • Angela Lanfranchi M.D. FACS Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
  • Susan J. Bradley, M.D., FRCP(C) Professor Emerita, University of Toronto
  • J. Michael Bailey, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Northwestern University
  • Marie T. Hilliard, MS, MA, JCL, Ph.D., RN The National Catholic Bioethics Center Mary Lou Singleton, MSN, FPC-BC
  • Christopher Doyle, LPC Co-Founder National Task Force for Therapy Equality
  • David Pickup, LMFT Co-Founder National Task Force for Therapy Equality
  • Laura Haynes, Ph.D., California Licensed Psychologist USA Representative, International Federation for Therapeutic and Counseling Choice (IFTCC.org)
  • Michael Farris, J.D. President, CEO, & General Counsel Alliance Defending Freedom
  • Matthew D. Staver, Esq. Founder and President, Liberty Council
  • Charles LiMandri, J.D. Founder and President, Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund
  • Robert J. Muise, Esq. Co-Founder, American Freedom Law Center
  • Gerard V. Bradley, J.D. Professor of Law University of Notre Dame
  • Steven D. Smith, J.D. Warren Distinguished Professor of Law University of San Diego
  • Maimon Schwarzschild, J.D. Professor of Law University of San Diego
  • Larry Alexander, LL.B. Warren Distinguished Professor of Law University of San Diego
  • Tony Perkins President Family Research Council
  • Frank Cannon President American Principles Project
  • Matthew J. Franck, Ph.D. Senior Fellow, Witherspoon Institute
  • Sharon Slater President, Family Watch International Austin Ruse President, Center for Family and Human Rights
  • Allan C. Carlson, Ph.D., Editor, The Natural Family: An International Journal of Research and Policy
  • Patrick Lee, Ph.D. McAleer Professor of Bioethics Center for Bioethics, Franciscan University of Steubenville
  • Christopher Wolfe, Ph.D. Distinguished Affiliate Professor, University of Dallas President, American Public Philosophy Institute
  • Rev. D. Paul Sullins, Ph.D. Research Professor of Sociology and Director, Leo Institute for Catholic Social Research, The Catholic University of America
  • Robert G Kennedy, Ph.D. Department of Catholic Studies University of St. Thomas
  • Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D. Founder and President, The Ruth Institute

Cited works by

2023 data leak

ACPeds inadvertently shared links to an unsecured Google Drive that contained 10,000 files, including membership information, financial data, and strategy. As of spring 2022, the College counted slightly more than 700 active members. An internal database listed 1,200 past and current members. Via WIRED:

Many of the College’s most radical views target transgender people, and in particular, transgender youth. The leak, which had been indexed by Google, includes volumes of literature crafted specifically to influence relationships between practicing pediatricians, parents, and their children. It includes reams of marketing material the College aims to distribute widely among public school officials.

Doctors Protecting Children

In 2024, ACPeds published an anti-trans petition under the name Doctors Protecting Children.

  • Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine (AHM)
  • American Academy of Medical Ethics
  • American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
  • American College of Family Medicine (ACFM)
  • American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds)
  • Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS)
  • Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance (CHCLA)
  • Catholic Medical Association (CMA)
  • Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA)
  • Coalition of Jewish Values
  • Colorado Principled Physicians
  • Genspect
  • Honey Lake Clinic
  • International Foundation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice (IFTCC)
  • National Association of Catholic Nurses, USA
  • National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC)
  • North Carolina Physicians for Freedom (NCPFF)
  • South Carolina Physicians for Freedom (SCPFF)

References

Cameron, Dell; Mehrotra, Dhruv (May 2, 2023). An Anti-Trans Doctor Group Leaked 10,000 Confidential Files. WIRED https://www.wired.com/story/american-college-pediatricians-google-drive-leak/

Stahl, Aviva (April 16, 2021). Meet The “Fringe Extremists” Pushing Flawed Science To Target Trans Kids Buzzfeed News https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/avivastahl/transgender-trans-kids-healthcare-science

Cretella M et al. (December 4, 2018). [Letter to Matthew Whitaker, Alex Azar, and Betsy DeVos.] https://acpeds.org/assets/imported/12.4.18-Final_Revised_-12.4.18-Joint-letter-to-HHS-DOJ-DOE-Uphold-Definition-of-Sex.pdf

Cretella, Michelle (2018). Gender Dysphoria in Children. ACPeds https://acpeds.org/position-statements/gender-dysphoria-in-children

Resources

Trans Data Library (transdatalibrary.org)

SPLC (splcenter.org)

GLAAD (glaad.org)

Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)

American College of Pediatricians (acpeds.org)

Doctors Protecting Children (doctorsprotectingchildren.org)

TransRegret (transregret.com)

Biological Integrity Initiative (biologicalintegrity.org)

Twitter (twitter.com)

YouTube (youtube.com)

Patrick W. Lappert is an American plastic surgeon and anti-transgender activist.

Lappert has testified in litigation or advocated on behalf of legislation to limit trans rights in states across the country including Alabama, Arkansas, Utah and Florida.

Lappert produced a report for the 2022 Florida Department of Health anti-trans report, created as a pretext to restrict and/or ban trans healthcare in Florida.

Background

Patrick Walter “Pat” Lappert was born in Venezuela on September 30, 1954 and grew up Jewish. In 1960, the family moved to San Francisco, but Lappert’s parents divorced around 1966. Lappert became atheist as an adolescent, dropped out of high school at 15, and left home.

After earning a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Santa Barbara, Lappert earned a medical degree from Uniformed Services University School of Medicine in 1983 and completed a surgical residency at Naval Hospital Oakland in 1991. Lappert became board certified in surgery in 1992. Lappert then completed a plastic surgery residency at University of Tennessee-Memphis in 1994 and was certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in 1997.

While stationed in Memphis, Lappert became suicidal, during which time a religious conversion to Christianity occurred. In 1995, Lappert was baptized in the Catholic church. In 2013, Lappert was ordained as a deacon in the Catholic church.

Lappert served in the Navy for 24 years, serving at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth from 1994 until retiring from the Navy as a Captain in 2002.

In 1981 Lappert married nurse Patrice Ann (Oberst) Lappert (born 1956), and they have six children.

Anti-transgender activism

Lappert is involved in Courage International, an organization that treats LGBTQ people like alcoholics who can overcome their urges through meetings.

Starting in 2014, Lappert began getting involved in criticizing transgender surgery, later expanding to all trans healthcare.

In his ruling that Arkansas’s 2021 law banning gender-affirming medical care for minors is unconstitutional,

US District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. commented on Lappert’s qualifications in ruling that the Arkansas ban on trans youth healthcare was unconstitutional:

“The Court does not credit the testimony of Professor Regnerus and gives it no weight because the Court finds that he lacks the qualifications to offer his opinions and failed to support them.” […]

“Dr. Lappert does not meet the requirements under Daubert to give opinions relevant to this case.” […]

“Dr. Hruz has never treated a patient for gender dysphoria.”

Brandt v. Rutledge, 4:21CV00450 JM

Lappert appears in the 2022 propaganda piece Dysconnected.

References

John DeSilva Finley, ed. (2022). Sexual Identity: The Harmony of Philosophy, Science, and Revelation. Emmaus Road Publishing, ISBN 9781645851912 Contributors: Cara Buskmiller, Paul W. Hruz, Patrick W. Lappert, Andrew Sodergren, Lawrence J. Welch,

Redden, Molly (September 15, 2023). Inside The Cottage Industry Of ‘Experts’ Paid To Defend Anti-Trans Laws. HuffPost https://www.huffpost.com/entry/paid-experts-defending-anti-trans-law_n_65021a7ee4b01df7c3b6d513

Stahl, Aviva (June 9, 2023) Four controversial doctors helping Republicans attack trans healthcare. The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jun/09/doctor-republican-trans-gender-affirming-minor-healthcare-lgbtq-rights

La Bouve, Janelle (February 23, 1996). A China doll couple adopt a Chinese child. The Virginian-Pilot https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1996/vp960223/02210182.htm

Diocese of Lansing (October 3, 2022). Watch: Top Surgeon, Dr. Lappert | Vote NO to Prop 3 to protect children from “trans” lobby. https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/news/watch-top-surgeon-dr-lappert-vote-no-prop-3-protect-children-trans-lobby video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2g7ZlMpkAI

Media

Family Watch International (August 17, 2021). Dr Patrick Lappert. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEiu6OQqcVE

Journey Home (November 21, 2016). Deacon Patrick Lappert. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2KCFtHHHVE

Marshall (September 20, 2023). Transgenderism: Can I Switch My Sex? | Speakin’ with the Deacons. Catholic Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M9f_HaPaHA

Cynthia Breheny (October 30, 2023). Ethics of Gender Affirming Care | Dr. Patrick Lappert | Interviews Paradox Institute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTN35a8R7DA

Resources

Trans Data Library (transdatalibrary.org)

GLAAD Accountability Project (glaad.org/gap)

Lappert Skin Care (lappertplasticsurgery.com)

  • previous site: drpatricklappert.com [archive]

LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

Twitter (twitter.com)

Flickr (flickr.com)

Courage International (couragerc.org)

The American Medical Association (AMA) is a national professional organization of over 270,000 medical professionals.

Founded in 1847, their goals are scientific advancement, standards for medical education, launching a program of medical ethics, and improved public health.

Trans and gender diverse people

AMA has published several positions and policies supporting transgender and gender diverse populations.

H-65.964

  • Access to Basic Human Services for Transgender Individuals H-65.964
  • Our AMA: (1) opposes policies preventing transgender individuals from accessing basic human services and public facilities in line with one’s gender identity, including, but not limited to, the use of restrooms; and (2) will advocate for the creation of policies that promote social equality and safe access to basic human services and public facilities for transgender individuals according to one’s gender identity.

H-185.950

  • Removing Financial Barriers to Care for Transgender Patients
  • Our AMA supports public and private health insurance coverage for treatment of gender dysphoria as recommended by the patient’s physician. (2016)

H-460.893

  • Patient-Reported Outcomes in Gender Confirmation Surgery
  • Our AMA supports: (1) initiatives and research developed by specialty societies and other relevant stakeholders to establish standardized protocols for patient selection, surgical management, and preoperative and postoperative care for transgender patients undergoing gender confirmation surgeries; and (2) implementation of standardized tools, such as questionnaires, developed by specialty societies and other relevant stakeholders to evaluate outcomes of gender confirmation surgeries. (2018)

H-65.956

  • Right for Gamete Preservation Therapies
  • 1. Fertility preservation services are recognized by our AMA as an option for the members of the transgender and non-binary community who wish to preserve future fertility through gamete preservation prior to undergoing gender affirming medical or surgical therapies.2. Our AMA supports the right of transgender or non-binary individuals to seek gamete preservation therapies.

H-430.982

  • Appropriate Placement of Transgender Prisoners
  • 1. Our AMA supports the ability of transgender prisoners to be placed in facilities, if they so choose, that are reflective of their affirmed gender status, regardless of the prisoner’s genitalia, chromosomal make-up, hormonal treatment, or non-, pre-, or post-operative status.
  • 2. Our AMA supports that the facilities housing transgender prisoners shall not be a form of administrative segregation or solitary confinement. (2018)

H-40.966

  • Military Medical Policies Affecting Transgender Individuals
  • Our American Medical Association affirms that there is no medically valid reason to exclude transgender individuals from service in the US military and affirms transgender service members be provided care as determined by patient and physician according to the same medical standards that apply to non-transgender personnel.

H-60.927

  • Reducing Suicide Risk Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth Through Collaboration with Allied Organizations
  • Our AMA will partner with public and private organizations dedicated to public health and public policy to reduce lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth suicide and improve health among LGBTQ youth. (2012)

H-460.907

  • Encouraging Research Into the Impact of Long-Term Administration of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Transgender Patients
  • Our AMA encourages research into the impact of long-term administration of hormone replacement therapy in transgender patients.

H-65.957

  • Preventing Anti-Transgender Violence
  • Our AMA will: (1) partner with other medical organizations and stakeholders to immediately increase efforts to educate the general public, legislators, and members of law enforcement using verified data related to the hate crimes against transgender individuals highlighting the disproportionate number of Black transgender women who have succumbed to violent deaths: (2) advocate for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to consistently collect and report data on hate crimes, including victim demographics, to the FBI; for the federal government to provide incentives for such reporting; and for demographic data on an individual’s birth sex and gender identity be incorporated into the National Crime Victimization Survey and the National Violent Death Reporting System, in order to quickly identify positive and negative trends so resources may be appropriately disseminated; (3) advocate for a central law enforcement database to collect data about reported hate crimes that correctly identifies an individual’s birth sex and gender identity, in order to quickly identify positive and negative trends so resources may be appropriately disseminated; (4) advocate for stronger law enforcement policies regarding interactions with transgender individuals to prevent bias and mistreatment and increase community trust; and (5) advocate for local, state, and federal efforts that will increase access to mental health treatment and that will develop models designed to address the health disparities that LGBTQ individuals experience.

D-460.966

  • Endorsing the Creation of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Research IRB Training
  • Our AMA will work with appropriate stakeholders to support the creation of model training for Institutional Review Boards to use and/or modify for their unique institutional needs as it relates to research collecting data on Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Queer populations.

H-60.927

  • Reducing Suicide Risk Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth Through Collaboration with Allied Organizations
  • Our AMA will partner with public and private organizations dedicated to public health and public policy to reduce lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth suicide and improve health among LGBTQ youth.

H-160.991

  • Health Care Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Populations
  • 1. Our AMA: (a) believes that the physician’s nonjudgmental recognition of patients’ sexual orientations, sexual behaviors, and gender identities enhances the ability to render optimal patient care in health as well as in illness. In the case of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other (LGBTQ) patients, this recognition is especially important to address the specific health care needs of people who are or may be LGBTQ; (b) is committed to taking a leadership role in: (i) educating physicians on the current state of research in and knowledge of LGBTQ Health and the need to elicit relevant gender and sexuality information from our patients; these efforts should start in medical school, but must also be a part of continuing medical education; (ii) educating physicians to recognize the physical and psychological needs of LGBTQ patients; (iii) encouraging the development of educational programs in LGBTQ Health; (iv) encouraging physicians to seek out local or national experts in the health care needs of LGBTQ people so that all physicians will achieve a better understanding of the medical needs of these populations; and (v) working with LGBTQ communities to offer physicians the opportunity to better understand the medical needs of LGBTQ patients; and (c) opposes, the use of “reparative” or “conversion” therapy for sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • 2. Our AMA will collaborate with our partner organizations to educate physicians regarding: (i) the need for sexual and gender minority individuals to undergo regular cancer and sexually transmitted infection screenings based on anatomy due to their comparable or elevated risk for these conditions; and (ii) the need for comprehensive screening for sexually transmitted diseases in men who have sex with men; (iii) appropriate safe sex techniques to avoid the risk for sexually transmitted diseases; and (iv) that individuals who identify as a sexual and/or gender minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning individuals) experience intimate partner violence, and how sexual and gender minorities present with intimate partner violence differs from their cisgender, heterosexual peers and may have unique complicating factors.
  • 3. Our AMA will continue to work alongside our partner organizations, including GLMA, to increase physician competency on LGBTQ health issues.
  • 4. Our AMA will continue to explore opportunities to collaborate with other organizations, focusing on issues of mutual concern in order to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date education and information to enable the provision of high quality and culturally competent care to LGBTQ people.

H-460.893

  • Patient-Reported Outcomes in Gender Confirmation Surgery
  • Our AMA supports: (1) initiatives and research developed by specialty societies and other relevant stakeholders to establish standardized protocols for patient selection, surgical management, and preoperative and postoperative care for transgender patients undergoing gender confirmation surgeries; and (2) implementation of standardized tools, such as questionnaires, developed by specialty societies and other relevant stakeholders to evaluate outcomes of gender confirmation surgeries.

Youth

In February 2026, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released a position statement on gender surgery for children and adolescents which stated in part, “there is insufficient evidence demonstrating a favorable risk-benefit ratio for the pathway of gender related endocrine and surgical interventions in children and adolescents. ASPS recommends that surgeons delay gender-related breast/chest, genital, and facial surgery until a patient is at least 19 years old.”

AMA released a response to conservative publication National Review regarding the ASPS position, stating in part: “the evidence for gender-affirming surgical intervention in minors is insufficient for us to make a definitive statement . . . the AMA agrees with ASPS that surgical interventions in minors should be generally deferred to adulthood.”

References

AMA Advocating for the LGBTQ community. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/advocating-lgbtq-community

AMA/GLMA (April 2022). Sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (so-called “conversion therapy”). 22-676341:04/22 https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/conversion-therapy-issue-brief.pdf

AMA (June 12, 2020). AMA opposes effort to allow discrimination against patients. https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/ama-opposes-effort-allow-discrimination-against-patients

AMA/GLMA (September 2018). Transgender individuals’ access to public facilities. 18-281734:9/17 https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2019-03/transgender-public-facilities-issue-brief.pdf

AMA/GLMA (February 2019). Health insurance coverage for gender- affirming care of transgender patients. 19-321820:2/19 https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2019-03/transgender-coverage-issue-brief.pdf

Resources

American Medical Association (ama-assn.org)

Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)

Some transgender and gender diverse people choose medical options as part of a gender transition. The following medical specialties can be involved in trans and gender diverse healthcare.

Related specialties

  • Anesthesiology
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Infectious disease
  • Neurology
  • Obstetrics and gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatry
  • Reproductive medicine
  • Surgery
    • General surgery
    • Craniofacial Surgery
    • Oral and maxillofacial surgery
    • Plastic surgery
  • Urology

Medical professionals who are trans

Trans and gender diverse physicians, surgeons, and healthcare professionals have been documented throughout recorded history. This list is incomplete and focuses on physicians and surgeons the past 150 years.

  • Robert Allen (radiology) British, born 1914
  • Rebecca Allison (cardiology) American, born 1946
  • Janis Ashley (pediatrician) American, born 1951, retransitioned 1989
  • Ben Barres (neurology) American, 1954–2017
  • James Barry (surgeon) British, 1789–1865
  • Sara Kristine Becker (primary care) American, born 1951
  • Deborah Bershel (primary care) American, born 1953 deborahbershel.com
  • Dana Beyer (primary care) American, born 1952
  • Marci Bowers (gynecology, surgery) American, born 1958
  • Camille Cabral (dermatologist) French-Brazilian, born 1944
  • Richard Curtis (primary care) Polish-British, born 1967
  • Eleno de CĂ©spedes (1545-died after 1588)
  • Madeline Brianna “Maddie” Deutsch (primary care) born September 1, 1972
  • Ewan Forbes (primary care) British, 1912–1991
  • Alan L. Hart (radiologist) American, 1890–1962
  • Gloria Hemingway (primary care) American, 1931–2001
  • Sheila Kirk (gynecology, surgery) American, born 1930
  • Jamie Koufman (plastic surgeon) American, born 1947
  • Anne Lawrence (anesthesiology) American, born 1950
  • Ellie Zara Ley (plastic surgery), Mexican-American, born 1974
  • Robertina Manganaro (primary care) Italian, born 1958
  • Carys Massarella (emergency medicine) Canadian, born 1965
  • Christine McGinn (plastic surgeon) American, born 1969
  • Sarah Muirhead-Allwood (orthopedic surgeon) British, born 1947
  • Alice Novic (psychiatrist) American, born 1963
  • Madeleine Pelletier (psychiatrist) French, 1874–1939
  • Eugene Perkins (primary care) American, 1869–1936
  • RenĂ©e Richards (ophthalmologist) American, born 1934
  • Joy Shaffer (primary care) American, born 1955
  • Georgina Somerset (dentist) [DSD] British, 1923–2013
  • Laura Targownik (gastroenterologist), Canadian (born 1972)
  • Mary Edwards Walker (surgeon) American, 1832–1919

Resources

A Gender Variance Who’s Who (zagria.blogspot.com)

Michelle Forcier is an American pediatrician who specializes in sexual health and gender identity for adolescents.

Background

Michelle Marie Forcier earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University in 1987, followed by a medical degree from University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 1992. In 1997 Forcier earned a master’s degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health. Forcier did a pediatric residency at University of Utah, followed by fellowships at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Planned Parenthood Central North Carolina, and Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine.

Forcier is or has been licensed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Illinois, South Carolina, Alabama, and Utah. Forcier has taught at Duke University, University of North Carolina, and Northwestern University. Since 2009 Forcier has taught at Brown University.

Forcier is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and offers training on LGBTQ+ child and adolescent mental health for the American Medical Association (AMA). Forcier joined the AMA in 2016.

Forcier married pediatrician Geoffrey Abbott “Geoff” Allen (born 1961). They have one child.

Transgender care and public-facing work

Forcier is known to many from an appearance in the 2022 anti-trans propaganda piece What Is a Woman? In it, Forcier earnestly explains why affirming models of care for minors are the American medical consensus. Many people who enjoy anti-trans extremist Matt Walsh’s bad-faith interview tactics found the exchange entertaining.

Forcier was named in lawsuits filed by ex-trans activists Layton Ulery and Isabelle Ayala. Forcier was voluntarily dismissed from the Ulery lawsuit by the plaintiff in May 2025. The Ayala case was dismissed in June 2025.

References

Rogers, Kristen (March 15, 2024). What to know about puberty blockers. CNN https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/15/health/puberty-blockers-explained-nhs-wellness

Ring, Trudy (July 27, 2023). Three Who Were in Matt Walsh’s Anti-Trans Film Say They Were Deceived. The Advocate https://www.advocate.com/transgender/matt-walsh-what-is-a-woman-deceptive

Norton, Amy (January 19, 2023). Hormonal Therapies Are Boosting the Mental Health of Trans Youth. U.S. News & World Report https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-01-19/hormonal-therapies-are-boosting-the-mental-health-of-trans-youth

Knox, Liam (September 25, 2022). Attack on Vanderbilt Clinic Has Ripple Effects. Inside Higher Ed https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/09/26/trans-health-clinic-weathers-political-firestorm

Petrow, Steven (March 7, 2017). Civilities: Taking all your questions about transgender teens with Brown U. expert Dr. Michelle Forcier and Steven Petrow. Washington Post https://live.washingtonpost.com/civilities-with-steven-petrow-20170307.html

Crandall, Brian (June 7, 2016). RI doctor leads effort on caring for transgender children. WJAR https://turnto10.com/news/local/ri-doctor-leads-effort-on-caring-for-transgender-children

Rupp, William (August 20, 2011). ‘This Old House’ Picks ‘Happy Renters.’ Patch https://patch.com/rhode-island/barrington/this-old-house-picks-happy-renters

Coverage in anti-trans press

Staff report (June 9, 2025). UpToDate is Out-of-Date on Child Sex Change Interventions. Do No Harm https://donoharmmedicine.org/2025/06/09/uptodate-is-out-of-date-on-child-sex-change-interventions/

Solas, Nicole (February 20, 2024). Detransitioners Sue Rhode Island Medical Provider And Persistent Public School Agitator. Daily Wire https://www.dailywire.com/news/detransitioners-sue-rhode-island-medical-provider-and-persistent-public-school-agitator

Ryan, Benjamin (December 5, 2023). Lawsuits by Regretful ‘Detransitioners’ Take Aim at Medical Establishment’s Support for Gender-Transition Treatments for Minors. New York Sun https://www.nysun.com/article/lawsuits-by-regretful-detransitioners-take-aim-at-medical-establishments-support-for-gender-transition-treatments-for-minors

Sapir, Leor (October 31, 2023). Is the AAP Placing Its Own Members at Risk? New lawsuits and a panel on gender and sexuality at the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recent conference signal trouble for pediatricians who rely on its guidance. City Journal https://www.city-journal.org/article/is-the-aap-placing-its-own-members-at-risk

Lamb, Matt (October 26, 2023). Two women damaged by ‘gender transitions’ sue prominent pro-transgender doctors. LifeSite News https://assets.lifesitenews.com/news/women-gender-transitions-sue-doctors/?utm_source=most_recent&utm_campaign=catholic

Perkins, Faith (October 26, 2023). Gender detransitioner sues prominent doctors she says pushed her into it. The Lion https://readlion.com/another-gender-detransitioner-sues-prominent-doctors-she-says-pushed-her-into-it/

Tilley, Caitlin (October 26, 2023). Autistic woman, 20, sues American Academy of Pediatrics over claims she was rushed onto transgender hormone-warping drugs – despite suffering from a number of  mental health conditions. Daily Mail https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12671149/american-academy-pediatrics-transgender-detransition-lawsuit-isabelle-ayala.html

Hunter, Heather (October 25, 2023). Detransitioner sues American Academy of Pediatrics for medical malpractice in historic lawsuit. Washington Examiner https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2751078/detransitioner-sues-american-academy-of-pediatrics-for-medical-malpractice-in-historic-lawsuit/

Potter, Will (October 21, 2023). EXCLUSIVE: Lesbian detransitioner with multiple personality disorder who escaped cult sues medics who prescribed her testosterone after deciding she was transgender, causing painful and permanent side effects. Daily Mail https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12654975/Detransitioner-multiple-personality-gender-reassignment.html

Kornick, Lindsey (June 13, 2023). Doctor defends giving transgender treatments to 8 and 10-year-olds: ‘Respect kids as individuals.’ Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/media/doctor-defends-giving-transgender-treatments-8-10-year-olds-respect-kids-individuals

Singal, Jesse (July 2018). When a child says she’s trans. The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/07/when-a-child-says-shes-trans/561749/

Selected publications by Forcier

Sherer, I., & Forcier, M. (2025). Stress in Gender-Diverse Youth. In Signs & Symptoms in Pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics https://doi.org/10.1542/9781610028219-74

Forcier, Michelle; Olson-Kennedy, Johanna (2022 with updates). Gender development and clinical presentation of gender diversity in children and adolescents. UpToDate https://www.uptodate.com/contents/gender-development-and-clinical-presentation-of-gender-diversity-in-children-and-adolescents

Van Schalkwyk, Gerrit ; Turban, Jack L.; Forcier, Michelle (2020). Pediatric Gender Identity: Gender-affirming Care for Transgender & Gender Diverse Youth. Springer, ISBN 9783030389093

Hodax, J. K., Wagner, J., Sackett-Taylor, A. C., Rafferty, J., & Forcier, M. (2020). Medical Options for Care of Gender Diverse and Transgender Youth. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 33(1), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2019.05.010

Rafferty, J. R., Donaldson, A. A., & Forcier, M. (2020). Primary Care Considerations for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth. Pediatrics In Review, 41(9), 437–454. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.2018-0194

Panagiotakopoulos, L., Chulani, V., Koyama, A., Childress, K., Forcier, M., Grimsby, G., & Greenberg, K. (2020). The effect of early puberty suppression on treatment options and outcomes in transgender patients. Nature Reviews Urology, 17(11), 626–636. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41585-020-0372-2

Wagner, J., Sackett-Taylor, A. C., Hodax, J. K., Forcier, M., & Rafferty, J. (2019). Psychosocial Overview of Gender-Affirmative Care. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 32(6), 567–573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2019.05.004

Jain, J., Kwan, D., & Forcier, M. (2019). Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Gender-Affirming Therapy for Transwomen: Results From a Retrospective Study. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 104(11), 5148–5156. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2018-02253

Forcier M, Brown JD, Brown, RT (2018). LGBTQ Youth: Enhancing Care for Gender and Sexual Minorities. American Academy of Pediatrics https://watermark02.silverchair.com/aap_9781610021371-all_front_matter.pdf

Samuel E, Forcier M (2015). Acute medical care for the transgender patient. In Sex and Gender in Acute Care Medicine, Ed: McGregor AJ, Choo EK, Becker BM. NY Cambridge University Press, 2015: 216-229, ISBN 9781107668164

Agnieszka J, Forcier M (September 2016). Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth: Psychosocial and Medical Considerations. Rhode Island Medical Journal http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2016/09/2016-09-31-adolescent-janicka.pdf

Forcier, Michelle (2015). Lecture, Pediatric and Adolescent Gender Care, Web Seminar, Fenway Health Center, Boston, MA

Forcier, Michelle (2014). Services for Transgender Youth in Primary Care Settings. Society for Teachers in Family Medicine, US

Forcier, Michelle (2014). Puberty Blockers for Use in Transgender Children, Medical Advisory Meeting, Chicago, IL

Forcier, Michelle (2014). Transgender Health Panel, Gender Spectrum East, Baltimore, MD

Forcier, Michelle; Haddad, Emily (2013). Health care for gender variant or gender non-conforming children. Rhode Island Medical Journal Apr;96(4):17-21.

Forcier, Michelle (2012).Transgender is a Pediatric Opportunity: Pediatric Endocrine Nursing Society meeting, Orlando, FL

Media

Brown University (November 27, 2023) Trans Youth Now Series: Michelle Forcier. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onR2ctah3UE

Healio (October 18, 2019). AAP supports ‘gender-affirming care’ for youth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4qlSOdu6MI

NBC Nightly News (April 21, 2015). One Doctor Explains the Journey for Kids Who Are Transitioning. https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/one-doctor-explains-the-journey-for-kids-who-are-transitioning-431478851632

TODAY (April 23, 2015). Experts answer questions about transgender kids. https://www.today.com/video/experts-answer-questions-about-transgender-kids-432814659705

NBC News (April 21, 2015). One Doctor Explains the Journey for Kids Who Are Transitioning. https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/one-doctor-explains-the-journey-for-kids-who-are-transitioning-431478851632

Resources

Brown University (brown.edu)

LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

Instagram (instagram.com)

Lifespan (lifespan.org) [archive]

Note: this profile previously misstated Forcier’s name at birth and spouse. This site regrets the errors.

Paul Hruz is an American pediatrician and anti-transgender activist.

Since 2016 Hruz has testified in at least ten lawsuits related to gender transition and trans rights.

Hruz is a fellow at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, and a member of the Catholic Medical Association, two groups that reject gender transition altogether. 

References

Redden, Molly (September 15, 2023). Inside The Cottage Industry Of ‘Experts’ Paid To Defend Anti-Trans Laws. HuffPost https://www.huffpost.com/entry/paid-experts-defending-anti-trans-law_n_65021a7ee4b01df7c3b6d513?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Stahl, Aviva (June 9, 2023). Four controversial doctors helping Republicans attack trans healthcare. The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jun/09/doctor-republican-trans-gender-affirming-minor-healthcare-lgbtq-rights

Resources

Trans Data Library (transdatalibrary.org)

  • Paul Hruz
  • transdatalibrary.org/person/paul-hruz

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Pediatrics (pediatrics.wustl.edu)

LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

Lisa Littman is an American public health researcher and anti-transgender activist.

Littman is involved in efforts to restrict gender affirming care for children and youth. Littman created the disputed diagnosis “rapid onset gender dysphoria” (ROGD) and is a key figure in the ex-transgender movement.

Anti-transgender activism

Littman created the anti-trans front group Institute for Comprehensive Gender Dysphoria Research (ICGDR) with Stella O’Malley in 2021.

Under the auspices of ICGDR, Littman published a paper on “detransition” in anti-trans academic journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.

Littman contributed a chapter titled “Psychosocial factors and gender dysphoria: emerging theories” to the 2023 ant-trans book Sex and Gender: A Contemporary Reader.

References

Sullivan, Alice; Todd, Selina [Eds.] (2023). Sex and Gender: A Contemporary Reader. Taylor & Francis, ISBN 9781032261195

Littman, Lisa (August 16, 2018). Parent reports of adolescents and young adults perceived to show signs of a rapid onset of gender dysphoria. PLOS ONE (March 19, 2019 corrected ed.). 13 (8): e0202330. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0202330.

Littman, Lisa (March 19, 2019). Correction: Parent reports of adolescents and young adults perceived to show signs of a rapid onset of gender dysphoria. PLOS ONE. 14 (3): e0214157 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0214157.

Wadman, Meredith (September 7, 2018). ‘Rapid onset’ of transgender identity ignites storm. Science. 361 (6406): 958–959. doi:10.1126/science.361.6406.958

WPATH Global Board of Directors (September 4, 2018). WPATH Position on “Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD)” (PDF). World Professional Association for Transgender Health

ROGD Statement. Coalition for the Advancement & Application of Psychological Science.

Ashley, Florence (July 2020). A critical commentary on ‘rapid-onset gender dysphoria.’ The Sociological Review. 68 (4): 779–799. doi:10.1177/0038026120934693

(August 29, 2018. ). Reader outcry prompts Brown to retract press release on trans teens. Retraction Watch

(October 22, 2018.). Rapid-onset gender dysphoria’ is a poisonous lie used to discredit trans people. The Guardian

Why ‘rapid-onset gender dysphoria’ is bad science. The Conversation.

Kay, Jonathan (March 19, 2019). An Interview With Lisa Littman, Who Coined the Term ‘Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria.’ Quillette https://quillette.com/2019/03/19/an-interview-with-lisa-littman-who-coined-the-term-rapid-onset-gender-dysphoria/

Littman, Lisa (September 27, 2021). The website for the Institute for Comprehensive Gender Dysphoria Research (ICGDR) is now live. Littman Research https://littmanresearch.com/news-2/

Littman, Lisa (2021). Individuals Treated for Gender Dysphoria with Medical and/or Surgical Transition Who Subsequently Detransitioned: A Survey of 100 Detransitioners. Archives of Sexual Behavior 50, pages3353–3369 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-02163-w

RI Business Portal (January 15, 2o01). Fictitious name: ICGDR https://business.sos.ri.gov/CorpWeb/CorpSearch/CorpSummary.aspx?FEIN=001717167

Resources

Trans Data Library (transdatalibrary.org)

Littman Research (littmanresearch.com)

Institute for Comprehensive Gender Dysphoria Research (icgdr.org)

Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)

Note: In 2025, this site phased out AI illustrations after artist feedback. The previous illustration is here.

Avi Ring was a Scandinavian physiologist and anti-transgender activist.

Ring founded Gender Identity Challenge (GENID) and was involved with anti-trans hate groups Genspect and Society for Evidence-based Gender Medicine (SEGM). Ring was a major proponent of the disputed disease “rapid-onset gender dysphoria.”

Background

Ring earned a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Uppsala, Sweden. Ring then taught there as an associate professor and worked in cellular electrophysiology. At the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Ring was a chief scientist, working on countermeasures to chemical warfare.

Ring and spouse Eva lived in the Lofthus borough of Oslo and had a transgender child named Jennifer (1985–2017). The family had a complicated relationship with Jennifer.

Anti-transgender activism

Ring’s child Jennifer transitioned at age 28. Jennifer dealt with a number of problems in living beyond trans issues, and committed suicide four years after transition, in 2017.

At the same time, Filter magazine profiled the case of Jennifer Ring, a 32-year-old trans woman who hanged herself four years after her surgery. An expert on psychosis who was shown her medical journal by her father, Avi Ring, was quoted as saying that she had shown clear signs of psychosis at the time she first sought treatment for gender dysphoria.

Indeed, the first clinic she approached refused to treat her, citing signs of schizotypal symptoms and lack of a history of gender dysphoria. But the team at Karolinska went ahead. “Karolinska don’t stop anyone; virtually 100% get sex reassignment,” says Ring.

Orange (2020)

Ring founded GENID: Gender Identity Challenge and began connecting with other parents skeptical of trans healthcare:

Gender Identity Challenge Scandinavia (GICS) are behind the push to change the public debate. Set up by retired neurophysiologist Ring, toxicologist Karin Svens and Norwegian teacher Marit Rþnstad, they label themselves as a group of concerned parents. Other actors are psychiatrist Christopher Gillberg whose article in newspaper Svenska Dagbladet decried hormone treatment and surgery for young people. An investigative TV programme also attacked a hospital providing gender-affirming care. The campaign against securing access to gender-affirming healthcare for trans people along with media transphobia led to the Swedish government halting plans to change the age for young people to access gender-affirming care. In February 2022, the National Board of Health and Welfare issued new guidelines preventing young trans people accessing puberty blockers, arguing incorrectly that ‘costs outweigh the benefits’ and in disagreement with guidance from the World Professional Association of Transgender Health. This was in response to seeing a rise in people assigned female at birth accessing services.

Anti-trans actors tend to verge on social media, particularly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. They place themselves outside the pro-feminist and pro-LGBTI+ rights discourse in Sweden, which they see as undermining the state’s ability to protect people during the pandemic.

It is argued that this approach is not yet having the same impact as ‘gender critical’ groups in the UK or Spain because feminism is a less politically charged idea in Sweden than other European countries. Barring one, all political parties include feminism in their policies. However, this appears to be shifting and concerningly, the HOPE not Hate Charitable Trust found the Swedish general public expressed more anti-feminist sentiment than Poland (30%), the UK (28%), France (26%), Hungary (22%), Germany (19%) and the Netherlands (15%).

Rowlands (2023)

Ring served on a panel with the Norwegian Directory of Health during development of new trans treatment guidelines and lectured at both the Norwegian and Swedish Parliament seminars.

In 2019, Rina and Marit RĂžnstad published an article titled “HĂžy risiko for feilbehandling” [High risk of mistreatment], criticizing the World Health Organization for renaming the classification for trans people as “gender incongruence” that is related to sexual health instead of a mental disorder. They claim 60–90% of children with gender incongruence may “grow out of it” during puberty and argue against medical interventions for trans minors, which they consider “ethically and medically problematic.”

In 2020 Ring and William Malone published a letter criticizing a 2019 study by Richard BrĂ€nström and John E. Pachankis. In the first total population study of transgender people, BrĂ€nström and Pachankis found that for the 2,679 trans people on Sweden’s national patient register diagnosed with gender incongruence, “the longitudinal association between gender-affirming surgery and reduced likelihood of mental health treatment lends support to the decision to provide gender-affirming surgeries to transgender individuals who seek them.”

On September 25, 2023, Genspect announced Ring’s death on social media. This was confirmed in a posthumous piece Ring wrote for Subjekt. Ring asked relatives to publish a piece arguing against banning conversion therapy in Norway under paragraph 270.

References

Rowlands, Sebastian (2023) Landscape analysis: What we know on anti-gender movement measures and actors targeting trans people across Europe and Central Asia. TGEU https://tgeu.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tgeu-agm-landscape-analysis-2023.pdf

Coverage in anti-trans press

Orange, Richard (February 22, 2020). Teenage transgender row splits Sweden as dysphoria diagnoses soar by 1,500%. The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/feb/22/ssweden-teenage-transgender-row-dysphoria-diagnoses-soar

Madelene Pollnow, Mattias Göransson, Oskar Sonn Lindell (November 18, 2019). [Speed-blind] Fartblinda. Filter https://magasinetfilter.se/granskning/fartblinda/

Selected anti-trans writing by Ring

Ring, Avi (October 14, 2023) Stortinget bĂžr ikke godkjenne forbudet mot konverteringsterapi [The Storting should not approve the ban on conversion therapy]. Subjekt https://subjekt.no/2023/10/14/stortinget-bor-ikke-godkjenne-forbudet-mot-konverteringsterapi/

BrĂ€nström R, Pachankis JE: Reduction in mental health treatment utilization among transgender individuals after gender-affirming surgeries: a total population study. Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:727–734 https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19111169

Rþnstad, Marit; Ring, Avi (June 13, 2019). Hþy risiko for feilbehandling [High risk of mistreatment]. Psykologtidsskriftet, 6(2019), 442–450. https://www.psykologtidsskriftet.no/asset/article/2019/06/Hoy-risiko-for-feilbehandling/Hoy-risiko-for-feilbehandling.pdf

Resources

Trans Data Library (transdatalibrary.org)

X/Twitter (x.com)

GENID Gender Identity Challenge Skandinavia (genderchallenge.no)

GENID Gender Identity Challenge Sweden (genid.se)

ResearchGate (researchgate.net)

  • Avi Ring
  • researchgate.net/profile/Avi-Ring

Patrik Vankrunkelsven is a Belgian physician, politician, and anti-transgender activist.

Vankrunkelsven is affiliated with the Belgian Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBAM). Vankrunkelsven was an invited speaker at a 2023 conference organized by anti-trans hate group Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine.

Background

Patrik Jules Maria Vankrunkelsven was born on May 2, 1957. Vankrunkelsven earned a doctorate in 1982 and had been associated with Catholic research university Katholieke Universiteit Leuven [KU Leuven] ever since.

Vankrunkelsven was mayor of Laakdal from 1994 to 2006. During that time, Vankrunkelsven was president of the Volksunie [People’s Union] from 1998 until shortly before it was dissolved in 2001. After briefly aligning with Sociaal-Liberale Partijl [SPIRIT], Vankrunkelsven served as a senator from Vlaamse Liberalen en Democraten [VLD]  from 2007 until 2011.

Vankrunkelsven then left politics to focus on academia. Vankrunkelsven and spouse Marleen Finoulst are the driving force behind CEBAM, founded in 2013.

Anti-trans activism

Vankrunkelsven is a prominent Belgian critic of gender affirming care for minors. Vankrunkelsven believes that “puberty blockers are a trap that traps children, preventing them from having a chance to change their minds.”

In 2025, Vankrunkelsven and Trudy Bekkering commented on the Trump Administration’s 2025 US HHS report attacking gender affirming care. They noted: “The review used robust methods. […] We have no major remarks on the study design, nor on the conclusions.”

References

Verlooy R (2024). Anti-Gender Mobilizations and Transgender Rights. Tijdschrift voor Genderstudies, 27(4), 351–374. https://doi.org/10.5117/tvgn2024.4.004.verl

Vandendriessche, Lauwke (March 29, 2023). Fel debat over puberteitsremmers en mannelijke/vrouwelijke hormonen: “Wat jullie doen, is een experiment op kinderen.” VRT https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/03/26/puberteitsremmers-en-mannelijke-vrouwelijke-hormonen-wat-jullie/

Coverage in anti-trans press

Sanchez, Darlene McCormick (November 19, 2025). Studies Back Government on Childhood Gender Dysphoria: Peer reviews of a federal analysis citing the significant risks of medical interventions were mostly positive. The Epoch Times https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/studies-back-government-on-childhood-gender-dysphoria-5946713

Anthony, Abigail (November 20, 2025). ‘Gender-Affirming Care’ Proponents Had a Chance to Pick Apart a Critical HHS Report. They Didn’t Have Much to Say. National Review https://www.nationalreview.com/news/gender-affirming-care-proponents-had-a-chance-to-pick-apart-a-critical-hhs-report-they-didnt-have-much-to-say/amp/

Parks, Kristine (November 19, 2025). HHS youth gender care report authors defend findings amid backlash from medical organizations, caution risks. Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/media/hhs-youth-gender-care-report-authors-defend-findings-amid-backlash-from-medical-organizations-caution-risks

“Ashton, Mia” (April 6, 2023). WPATH’s trans health guidelines allow for medical experiments on children ‘without any scientific evidence’ says Belgian health expert. Human Events https://humanevents.com/2023/04/06/wpaths-trans-health-guidelines-allow-for-medical-experiments-on-children-without-any-scientific-evidence-says-belgian-health-expert#google_vignette

Walker, Corey (April 1, 2023). ‘A Pure Experiment On Children’: Belgian Doctor Says To Toss WPATH Guidelines Out. Daily Caller https://dailycaller.com/2023/04/01/belgium-doctor-toss-wpath-guidelines-out/

Selected publications by Vankrunkelsven

Bekkering, Trudy; Vankrunkelsven, Patrik (October 3, 2025). [Conclusions of peer review, summary of Chapter 5, and evaluation using PRIOR]. In Supplement to Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices Peer Reviews and Replies, pp. 40-51. https://opa.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-11/gender-dysphoria-report-supplement.pdf

Vankrunkelsven P, Casteels K, De Vleminck J (2025). Opinion: How to Provide the Best Care for Young People with Gender Dysphoria [Hoe kunnen we de beste zorg geven aan jongeren die te maken hebben met genderincongruentie?]. Belgian Journal of Paediatrics, 27(1), 35–38. https://www.belgjpaediatrics.com/index.php/bjp/article/view/340

Smids J, Vankrunkelsven P (2023). Uncertainties surrounding current gender care: five problems with the clinical lesson ‘Youth with gender incongruence’. [Onzekerheden rond de huidige genderzorg]. Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde, 167, 1-3. Article D7941. https://www-ntvg-nl.eur.idm.oclc.org/artikelen/onzekerheden-rond-de-huidige-genderzorg

Resources

Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)

CEBAM (cebam.be)

X/Twitter (x.com)

LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

Do No Harm is an American anti-transgender nonprofit that claims it is “protecting minors from gender ideology.”

Background

Do No Harm was launched in 2022 to oppose diversity initiatives in medicine.

Founder Stanley Goldfarb is a retired doctor who wrote the 2022 book Take Two Aspirin and Call Me By My Pronouns: Why Turning Doctors into Social Justice Warriors is Destroying American Medicine.

Do No Harm was initially funded in 2022 by Joseph Edelman and Susan Lebovitz-Edelman via their Edelman Family Foundation:

The contribution to Do No Harm is one of the Edelmans’ single largest donations. It is also roughly the same amount of money that Do No Harm projected as revenue for 2022, suggesting the Edelmans were the group’s primary funders in its initial year. In a note describing the donation on its tax filings, the foundation said it was “to provide support to protect healthcare from a radical, divisive and discriminatory ideology.”

Redden (2023)

Anti-trans activism

Do No Harm has evolved into an anti-trans organization, producing model legislation used in several states seeking to ban gender-affirming care for trans and gender diverse youth.

Via the Associated Press:

The AP obtained the texts of more than 130 bills in 40 state legislatures from Plural, a public policy software company, and analyzed them for similarities to model bills peddled by the conservative groups Do No Harm, which also criticizes efforts to diversify staffing in medicine, and the Family Research Council, which has long been involved in abortion restrictions.

One of the clearest examples is in Montana, where nearly all the language in at least one bill can be found in Do No Harm’s model. 

McMilan (2023)

Key people

Founding funders

  • Joseph Edelman
  • Susan Lebovitz-Edelman
  • Edelman Family Foundation

Staff

  • Stanley Goldfarb, Board Chair
  • Kristina Rasmussen, Executive Director
  • Vic Bernson, VP Policy, General Counsel
  • Ari DeWolf, Director of Outreach
  • Lindsay Killen, COO
  • Kurt Miceli, Medical Director
  • Laura Morgan, Program Manager
  • Mary Miller, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships

Research & Programs

  • Laura Morgan
  • Michelle Havrilla
  • Ian Kingsbury, Director of the Center for Accountability in Medicine
  • Naomi Risch
  • Greg Drobny

Policy & Legal Affairs

  • Natalie Allen
  • Andy Speth

Membership & Outreach

  • Beth Serio
  • Natalie Dreyer

Editorial & Strategic Communications

  • Ailan Evans
  • James Eller
  • Patrick McLaughlin

Development

  • Olivia McCarver
  • Aaron Brown

Administration

  • Anneliese Hughes
  • Jasmine Brown

Senior Fellows

Visiting Fellows

  • Lucas Klein
  • D. Michael Ready
  • Paul Terdal
  • Amber Colville

Podcast

In 2022, they began producting the Do No Harm podcast. Hosts:

Anti-trans guests include

References

Redden, Molly (October 26, 2023). This Billionaire Hedge Funder Is Quietly Financing Anti-Trans Advocacy Across The U.S. HuffPost https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joseph-edelman-political-donor-transgender_n_653a8605e4b0783c4ba04deb

McMillan, Jeff; Kruesi, Kimberlee (May 20, 2023). Meet the influential new player on transgender health bills. AP News https://apnews.com/article/transgender-bills-lobbying-do-no-harm-94f56059d24608d724eb78fefecf4e09

McMillan, Jeff; Harjai, Kavish; Kruesi, Kimberlee (May 20, 2023). Many transgender health bills came from a handful of far-right interest groups, AP finds. AP News https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-model-legislation-5cc4a7cb4ab69150f670d06fd0f361ab

Resources

Trans Data Library (transdatalibrary.org)

  • Do No Harm
  • transdatalibrary.org/organization/do-no-harm

Do No Harm (donoharmmedicine.org)

X/Twitter (x.com)

Facebook (facebook.com)

YouTube (youtube.com)

Instagram (instagram.com)

LinkedIn (linkedin.com)