because they weren’t really trans, or hadn’t been living as a trans person long enough, or were too mentally ill
This line reminds me of how medical institutions in America have worked with the state in order to identify sexual tendencies as sexualities in order to control and monitor them. Labeling those who would sleep with older gentleman, same sex partners, or who would touch themselves as mentally ill or perverse.
Adolescents change significantly and rapidly; they may view themselves and their place in the world differently at 15 than they did at 12.
Identity is something that is formed over time through re-affirmation. We go through a constant process of understanding how we are perceived by others and adjusting our identities so that we can remain happy with our concept of "self" in spite of views impose upon us. We attempt to understand our place and roles in society, as we encounter new ideologies, our perceptions are subject to change.
A shift in her understanding of the nature of gender led her to realize that transitioning was not the answer for her.
If we as a society had been more understanding of Claire's choices as a youth she most likely wouldn't have encountered gender dysphoria and attempted to transition. Understanding our fellow man and accepting them as who they are allows for further self-acceptance and understanding.
3-to-5-year-olds thought that if a boy put on a dress, he became a girl.
This shows how connected gender roles are to gender, they become interchangeable for young children. Children who carry gender norms with them for the rest of their life.
put gender-bending kids into the “right” box by encouraging—or forcing—them to play with the “right” toys and dress in the “right” clothes.
This type of management of gender checks out.
"where much of the research on, and management of, childhood gender variance traditionally has occurred (Bryant 2006)"
victims of these practices “become listless or agitated, long for their taken-away favorite toys and clothes, and even literally go into hiding in closets to continue playing with the verboten toys or wearing the forbidden clothes.” Such therapy is now viewed as unethical.
This reminded me of a vivid personal experience I had at a young age where I was a part of a camp that planned a fashion show where everyone cross dressed. I was garbed in make up and told I would have to act as a girl on stage. It was extremely uncomfortable because I was playing a role I wanted no part in playing. I can only imagine how damaging being forced to act outside of your comfort zone can be for children.
The affirming approach is far more humane than older ones,
I agree that listening to the desires and wants of human beings is more humane than forcing them to act within a set of parameters. Any action that limits the human experience and attempts to minimize it is damaging and inhumane, even when done with "the best of intentions."
while acknowledging that kids and teenagers can have an understanding of gender that changes over a short span?
For this reason I believe these processes should take time. Not to bar people from receiving the treatment they deserve, but so they can have a greater understanding of themselves and the powers at play that shape our world views.
more bad experiences with men
Negative experiences that push a person into desiring control over themselves and their lives. When they find a means to asserting it or think they do, it becomes a fixation for them. It's the same vehicle that pushes men and women into the labor force, lack of mobility, restriction, and this can cause serious health issues and stress. Stress that any person would seek to relieve tirelessly.
Max was diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
Psychiatric illnesses can impact the way we look at the world which is most likely why having none is a pre-requisite to getting gender confirmation surgery. However, if gender dysphoria can cause these illnesses, then maybe doctors should consult with patients longer to know how to correctly treat them.
The endocrinologist was skeptical, Max said. “I think what she was seeing was a lesbian teenager,” not a trans one. At the time, though, Max interpreted the doctor’s reluctance as her “being ignorant, as her trying to hurt me.”
In this situation, instead of defining Max the doctor should have slowed down the process and explained that they are doing so because our personal identities are subject to constant reformation, especially at a young age. Max needed to go through a process of greater self-understanding and exploration of their personal history with the aid of a professional. Exploring these topics and ideas in a way that don't force Max to re-live trauma, but that help her understand what she went through and how it aligns with her gender identity.