Trans 101: Trans Kids & the Reality of Youth Transition

Trans 101: Trans Kids & the Reality of Youth Transition

From Taboo Science by Ashley Hamer Pritchard

October 30, 2025 · 37 min · Season 5 · Episode 3

About this episode

This episode explores the realities of youth transition for trans kids through personal stories and expert insights.

The right says doctors are mutilating children. The left says nothing permanent is happening. They're both oversimplifying, but they're not equally wrong. Meet Maya, who started transitioning at 13 with puberty blockers, then hormones, then surgery at 16. Now 25 and thriving, she walks us through what actually happened—and why she says it saved her life. We also talk to pediatrician Dr. Michelle Forcier, who breaks down the real medical process. We're busting the "most trans kids change their minds" myth with actual research, covering what puberty blockers really do, why some trans kids hate being on them, and the question nobody wants to ask: what happens to kids who don't get care? Turns out inaction is also a decision, and it comes with permanent consequences too. This episode won't give you easy answers, but it will show you what the science actually says and why everyone who knows trans youth best says the same thing: listen to them. Content note: This episode includes discussion of self-harm and suicidality. More from Michelle Forcier: Brown University LinkedIn See citations and a transcript here…

People in this episode

Host: Ashley Hamer Pritchard

Guests: Maya, Dr. Michelle Forcier

Topics covered

  • trans youth
  • medical transition
  • puberty blockers
  • mental health
  • self-harm
  • youth care

Keywords

  • trans kids
  • youth transition
  • puberty blockers
  • hormones
  • surgery
  • mental health
  • self-harm
  • suicidality

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Brown University

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