To the Editor:

In a recent Letter to the Editor, “Problems with sexuality workshops,” Glenn Niles addressed, “sexuality workshops” being taught in Canton by the Unitarian Universalist (UU) sect there. I believe the UU is attempting to blend Christianity with a form of unbelief that happens to be fashionable at the moment, ie, being transgender, homosexual actions and abortion as reproductive healthcare. Transgender (gender dysphoria) activists believe this is a physical disorder, where the sex of the body does not match their real gender identity, a disorder to be physically repaired. Throughout the country children are increasingly being prescribed puberty blocking drugs. These children may go on later to receive opposite-sex hormone injections and permanent life-altering surgery. This drastic unneeded route of treatment is recommended by many gender activist groups.

Gender Dysphoria refers to the distress induced by a strong desire to identify as something other than one’s sex, preferring the typical dress and social activities of the opposite sex or having a desire to change one’s body to appear to be the opposite sex (transition). I believe those who struggle with gender dysphoria should be aided by therapies that guide an individual to explore root causes of their distress and a healthy acceptance of their sex.

A diagnosis of gender dysphoria does not justify the use of irreversible hormonal and surgical interventions which give false hope, promote a negative view of the body and ignore mental health needs, according to William Malone, MD, author of “Gender Dysphoria Resource for Providers 3rd Edition.”

Dressing as the opposite sex or undergoing hormone therapy and surgery will not erase the DNA that determined whether they were born male or female; nor will these attempts wipe away the underlying psychological issues.

I believe children with gender dysphoria deserve help in resolving their confusion and any underlying factors — not hormones and surgery.

As parents are the primary educators of their children, I believe they should be teaching their own children “developmentally appropriate introduction to body image, gender and sexual identity, peer pressure, consent, social media/internet and healthy relationships,” not UU.

Educate yourselves about the topic of the disorder of Gender Dysphoria and not allow schools, churches, governmental programs or any other so called experts get involved before you have vetted them.

I also recommend reading “If Your Child Says S/he’s Transgender,” Arlington Parent Coalition, which can be found at https://arlingtonparentcoa.wixsite.com/

Chris LaRose
Potsdam