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In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in teenage girls without prior gender dysphoria identifying as transgender, often influenced by peers and social media. Between 2016 and 2017, requests for gender surgeries among young women in the U.S. quadrupled. Abigail Shrier, author of *Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters*, discusses this alarming trend, emphasizing the lack of medical oversight in the current affirmative care model, which encourages doctors to affirm a teenager's self-diagnosis without thorough evaluation. Shrier highlights that many of these girls, often from supportive backgrounds, are experiencing mental health issues and find validation in transitioning. She argues that the current medical regime lacks safeguards, leading to potentially irreversible decisions made by young individuals. The influence of social media and the allure of being part of an oppressed minority contribute to this phenomenon. Parents, particularly those who are politically progressive, often feel helpless and fear losing custody if they question their child's decision to transition. Shrier notes that many parents are blindsided by the rapid changes in their children's identities and the aggressive push from activists and educators. The conversation around gender identity has become a cultural battleground, with significant implications for women's rights and the experiences of transgender individuals.

On Origins Podcast, Lauren Schwarz and Arthur Rousseau discuss their chapter in The War on Science, focusing on gender-affirming care (GAC) and medical standards. They argue that the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) wields influence, with U.S. medical bodies deferring to it, while the UK’s Cass report and countries have begun to curtail such care. They describe WPATH’s standards of care (SOC 8) as presenting itself as evidence-based, lifesaving care, yet note published reviews finding the strength of the evidence often low or indirect, and that guidelines are not always consistent with the underlying literature. They recount that Johns Hopkins underwent political pressure to withdraw systematic reviews and that WPATH later imposed an approval mechanism over future publications. The speakers condemn the reliance on “lived experience” over rigorous evidence, and highlight concerns about age restrictions being removed and consent for minors to hormonal or surgical interventions. They cite a lack of long-term outcome data, no conclusive evidence that gender-affirming care reduces suicide, and cases illustrating the risks of messaging to afraid families. They call for better education, transparency, and a return to science-based medicine, while referencing the Tennessee minors’ care case and urging global alignment.

Jordan Peterson interviews Abigail Shrier, author of "Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters." Shrier explains she wrote the book after a mother reached out about her daughter, who transitioned to transgender without prior symptoms of gender dysphoria. Shrier highlights a surge in teenage girls identifying as transgender, claiming this demographic shift is unprecedented and likening it to an epidemic. She notes that traditional gender dysphoria primarily affected boys, but now teenage girls are the leading demographic, often influenced by social media and peer pressure. Shrier criticizes the affirmative care model adopted by major psychological associations, which she argues lacks medical judgment and oversight. She expresses concern that therapists are compelled to affirm a patient's self-diagnosis without thorough investigation. Shrier cites a significant increase in young women seeking gender transition, with statistics indicating a rise from 0.01% to 2% among high school students identifying as transgender. The conversation touches on the role of social media in shaping identity and the potential for psychological contagion among adolescents. Shrier argues that many girls are encouraged to falsify their narratives about gender dysphoria, complicating the diagnostic process. She also discusses the long-term risks associated with medical transition, including irreversible changes from testosterone and surgeries like double mastectomy, which she claims lack adequate medical oversight. Shrier emphasizes the need for scrutiny in medical practices surrounding gender transition, advocating for a more cautious approach to treatment. She reflects on the backlash she has faced for her views, asserting that the truth must be prioritized over ideological commitments. The interview concludes with a call for open discussion and critical examination of the current trends in gender identity treatment.

In a conversation between Joe Rogan and Abigail Shrier, they discuss Shrier's book, "Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters," which addresses the rising trend of teenage girls identifying as transgender. Shrier emphasizes that her concerns are not about adult transgender individuals, whom she supports, but rather about young girls who may be influenced by social media and peer groups to transition without fully understanding the implications. Shrier recounts how she became involved in this topic after hearing from parents whose daughters suddenly identified as transgender after experiencing mental health issues. She notes that many of these girls are high-achieving but socially isolated, leading them to seek identity through transitioning. Shrier highlights the alarming increase in teenage girls seeking hormone treatments and surgeries, citing a study by Lisa Littman that found a significant rise in such cases, particularly among friend groups. The discussion touches on the influence of social media, which Shrier argues exacerbates mental health issues among young girls, leading them to view transitioning as a solution to their problems. She points out that many girls who transition do not have a history of gender dysphoria and may be influenced by trends rather than genuine feelings of being in the wrong body. Rogan and Shrier also discuss the lack of medical oversight in the transitioning process, with Shrier noting that some clinics allow minors to access hormones without thorough psychological evaluation. They express concern about the long-term effects of hormone treatments and surgeries, particularly for those who may later regret their decisions. Shrier argues that the current approach to transgender issues often overlooks the complexities of adolescent mental health and the potential for social contagion, where young girls may adopt transgender identities as a response to peer dynamics. She calls for a more nuanced discussion that considers the mental health of these girls and the societal pressures they face. The conversation also addresses the backlash against those who question the prevailing narratives around transgender issues, with Shrier sharing her experiences of being criticized for her views. Both Rogan and Shrier emphasize the importance of open dialogue and the need to protect young people from making irreversible decisions without adequate support and information. Ultimately, Shrier advocates for a careful examination of the factors influencing young girls' decisions to transition and the potential consequences of those decisions, urging society to prioritize the mental health and well-being of these adolescents.