Kids (and some parents) are going LGBT – proving again that sexuality is learned. Gallup’s latest? In 2020, 5.6% of U.S. adults identified as LGBT – up from 4.5% in 2017 and 3.5% in 2012. This means that ~6% of US adults claim LGBT status today. But the big news is among the younger segments of the population as you’d expect from something growing primarily from propaganda rather than DNA.

Oldsters remember homosexuality or trans never being mentioned, while young adults can’t get away from them. Currently, women are more likely than men to say they’re LGBT (6.4% v 4.9%); be bisexual (4.3% v 2.5%) and are thrice as apt to claim trans (in the 1960s and 70s men were higher on all 3). Politically? 8.8% of Democrats v 1.7% of Republicans said they’re LGBT. This jibes with our post-election survey of 500 Colorado voters: 71% of the 'very religious' and 61% of Republicans and said trans were 'disturbed,' while 80% of Democrats and 66% of the 'not religious' called them 'mentally healthy.'

Also in 2020, the American College Health Assn questioned 50,000 college students” [1] 2.1% claimed they were ‘transgender,’ 78% ‘straight,’ and 14.5% homosexual. Thus the Gallup and ACHA surveys had almost identical findings.

Among these healthy, possibly coddled, young people, how are the ~2,000 trans faring?

Trans were not separated out, but ‘very close’ estimates can be gotten from the tables. First, 74% of trans were born girls! In the 1960s and 70s, trans followed after the gay desire to ‘sorta be girls’ and ran 2:1 favoring boys. So whatever pitch society is currently delivering via the media and schooling, girls are buying trans at a much higher rate (e.g., about 3% of girls v 1% of boys). How healthy are trans the questionnaire asked?

How would you describe your overall health? 20% of men, 11% of women, and 8% of trans checked ‘excellent,’ while 7% of men, 10% of women, and 21% of trans said ‘fair or poor.’ So trans reported being considerably less healthy.

Within the last 12 months, has stress “affected your academic performance?” Never: 30% of men, 14% of women, 11% of trans; delayed progress toward degree: 3% of men, 4% of women, and 7% of trans. This fits the ‘overall health’ responses.

Your sexual orientation? Bi/homo: 10% of men, 15% of women, 79% of trans; straight: 87% of men, 77% of women, 21% of trans (if asexual, pansexual, queer etc. are excluded). Trans – as it began in 1952 – remains associated with homosexual desire.

Have you ever thought about or attempted to kill yourself? Never: 59% of men, 54% women, 25% of trans; attempted, but did not want to die: 1% men, 3% of women, 5% of trans; attempted, really hoped to die: 2% of men, 3% of women, 10% of trans.

You thought about killing yourself in the past year? Never: 73% of men, 69% of women, 42% of trans; Very often: 5% of men, 4% of women, 14% of trans.

I attempted suicide within last 12 mo.: 2% of men, 2% of women, 5% of trans.

Republicans and the ‘very religious’ consider trans disturbed; the Democrats, the ‘not religious’ and mental health professionals hold them ‘mentally healthy.’ While we don’t know how many or which of the trans in this survey have been mutilated, we do know that trans are suicidal. The suicidal are ‘not in reasonable charge’ of their lives. We also know trans claim less health, and more stress (as well as other ‘not so good things’ not enumerated here). Given trans’ host of problems, ‘affirming’ their choices is irresponsible. The evidence from this massive random study lines up with the Republicans and religious and justifies their disregard/rejection of ‘mental health philosophy.’

2% of young adults are trans, how many want ‘sex change?’

The cost to do a complete mutilation/’sex change’ with ‘sex organs,’ face adjustment, breast fix, etc. along with talk-therapy can run about a quarter-million dollars for men- and (if penile transplants are included) about three-quarters of a million for women-desiring ‘the works’ (backend costs of the many complications likely to arise are not included). How many trans will want ‘the works?’ Professionals, awaiting an incredibly large financial feast, want to know. And you, as a taxpayer, might not be disinterested either.

Some clues were offered by the Committee Opinion released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (‘the nation’s 60,000 member group of OBGYN physicians’) 2/18/21. Besides extolling the safety of and ease of use for drugs treating the “unique needs of transgender individuals” it opined that OBGYNs “should be prepared to assist them with preventive health care in safe and affirming environments.” So how many want ‘the works?’ Not every trans, since the committee said:

“Fertility and parenting desires should be discussed early … in transition, before the initiation of hormone therapy or gender affirmation surgery. [and] Gender-affirming hormone therapy is not effective contraception. Sexually active individuals who do not wish to become pregnant or cause pregnancy in others should be counseled about the possibility of pregnancy if they are having sexual activity that could result in pregnancy.

“The Committee Opinion notes that pregnancies are still possible during and after transitioning, so contraceptive counseling is crucial to prevent unintended pregnancies. In addition, acknowledging that transmasculine individuals may pursue and achieve pregnancy, the Committee Opinion notes that pregnancy can be a gendered experience and may lead to feelings of dysphoria or isolation for some patients. OBGYNs caring for these patients should be aware of language used, should be prepared to counsel patients about when to restart testosterone therapy, and should consider referrals for mental health support if needed.”

Consider what was admitted. All trans are not currently seeking ‘sex change.’ Indeed, a significant number of these women (and some of the male ‘women’) continue to have sex and some are getting pregnant and/or STDS therefrom. Further, “pregnancy can be a gendered experience and may lead to feelings of dysphoria or isolation for some patients.” Duh! How can you be a ‘pregnant man’ or a ‘male mother?’ Better watch the “language used” and “referrals for mental health [e.g., talk therapy] support.”

But we still don’t know how many trans want ‘the works.’

The ACHA survey offers hints: Trans were asked to “describe their gender identity.” It is more than mildly complicated. Thus, 161 (12%) of 1335 trans described themselves as ‘trans woman or trans man’ possibly putting themselves in line for the expensive ‘works.’ Yet 157 (12%) said they were ‘genderqueer.’ What surgery do you need if you are ‘genderqueer?’ ‘Not listed’ was chosen by 195 (15%), ‘agender’ by 6%, and 12% said they were ‘genderfluid.’ A whopping 588 (44%) chose ‘non-binary.’ It seems that without tremendous encouragement most trans are not going for ‘the works.’

Three things seem certain: 1) some professionals seek income no matter whose lives they help destroy; 2) our birthrate is declining; and 3) the increases in homosexuality and trans will further depress it. US democracy is proving that the desires needed to have the necessary babies are as fragile as sexual preference or gender identity.

CDC: A statistical blip ‘proves’ suicide can be prevented

The CDC generates the ‘science’ by which Covid19 is to be dispatched. Yet it just [2] enthused “Suicide is preventable, and effective approaches to both reduce suicide risk factors and increase protective factors are available.” Proof? “The declines in suicide rates in 2019 are encouraging after 13 consecutive years of rate increases.” You do the same thing for 14 years, in one it ‘works,’ in the rest it is counterproductive. Talk about cherry picking in the face of solid evidence you don’t know what you are talking about!

The same ‘prevention notions’ [e.g., talk therapy either singly or in group focusing on suicide] have been taught every year of the increase! We could wish it were otherwise, but we know of no clear evidence that suicide can be prevented (in fact, we would point to these well-collected and fairly extensive data as further limited proof that bringing suicide up – whether in school or counseling – seems to encourage it somewhat). Good intentions are no substitute for what works, and so far, it appears that ‘suicide awareness,’ ‘suicide hotlines,’ etc., tend to increase suicide.

[1] NCHA-III_SPRING_2020_REFERENCE_GROUP_DATA_REPORT 2. MMWR 2/26/21 70(8)261-68. https://www.acha.org/documents/ncha/NCHA-III_SPRING_2020_REFERENCE_GROUP_DATA_REPORT.pdf

[2] MMWR 2/26/21/ 70(8)261-8

Washington, D.C. — Obstetrician–gynecologists should be aware of the unique needs of transgender individuals and should be prepared to assist them with preventive health care in safe and affirming environments, according to a new Committee Opinion released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Health Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals was prepared jointly by ACOG’s Committee on Gynecologic Practice and Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women. This document provides clinical guidance for caring for transmasculine and transfeminine patients and information to assist obstetrician–gynecologists in offering inclusive patient care. (more)

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Uterine Morcellation for Presumed Leiomyomas

Committee Opinion #822

INTERIM UPDATE: This Committee Opinion is updated as highlighted to include the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s February 2020 recommendation that laparoscopic power morcellation for myomectomy or hysterectomy be performed only with a tissue containment system as well as more recent data on the use of containment systems and preoperative use of magnetic resonance imaging.

Morcellation is a surgical technique used to reduce the size of the uterus or myomas by creating smaller pieces to allow the tissue to be removed through small incisions or with laparoscopic instruments. Open (uncontained) morcellation of the uterus and myomas has been scrutinized because of the possible spread of an unsuspected leiomyosarcoma while using a power morcellator during a hysterectomy or myomectomy for presumed symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Before considering morcellation of the uterus, a woman should be evaluated to determine if she is at increased risk of malignancy of the uterine corpus. Morcellation of a malignancy is contraindicated and women should be evaluated preoperatively to identify malignancy. However, leiomyosarcoma cannot be reliably diagnosed preoperatively; thus, there is a risk that a woman with a presumed leiomyoma may have a malignancy that may be spread through morcellation, leading to a potentially worsened prognosis. Although an abdominal hysterectomy or myomectomy may reduce the chance of spreading cancer cells in women with undiagnosed leiomyosarcoma, it is associated with increased morbidity when compared with minimally invasive approaches. The obstetrician–gynecologist and patient should engage in shared decision making, including informed consent, explaining the risks and benefits of each approach to surgery for presumed leiomyomas, the risks and benefits of morcellation, and alternatives to morcellation. (more)

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Health Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals

Committee Opinion #823

An estimated 150,000 youth and 1.4 million adults living in the United States identify as transgender. This Committee Opinion offers guidance on providing inclusive and affirming care as well as clinical information on hormone therapy and preventive care; it also cites existing resources for those seeking information on the care of transgender adolescents. The social and economic marginalization of transgender individuals is widespread, which leads to health care inequities and poorer health outcomes for this population. To reduce the inequities experienced by the transgender community, the provision of inclusive health care is essential. Obstetrician–gynecologists should strive to make their offices open to and inclusive for all individuals and should seek out education to address health care disparities, both in their individual practices and in the larger health care system. In order to provide the best care for patients, it is useful to know which health care professionals to include in a referral network for primary care and to have many clinician and surgeon options given the many different therapies available and the different sites at which these therapies are offered. It is important to remember that although hormone therapy is a medically necessary treatment for many transgender individuals with gender dysphoria, not all transgender patients experience gender dysphoria and not everyone desires hormone treatment. Gender-affirming hormone therapy is not effective contraception. Sexually active individuals with retained gonads who do not wish to become pregnant or cause pregnancy in others should be counseled about the possibility of pregnancy if they are having sexual activity that involves sperm and oocytes. Although being knowledgeable about the medications used for gender transition and potential risks and side effects is important, specific certification for prescribing them is not required and should not be a limiting factor in helping patients access care. (more)

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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of 60,000 members, ACOG strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. www.acog.org

• Obstetrics and gynecology is a medical specialty that focuses on the care of women. Obstetrics focuses on childbirth, providing prenatal care and pregnancy support along with post-partum care, while gynecology is geared towards general female healthcare, with a focus on the female reproductive organs.

Just when you thought the Left couldn’t veer any closer to the cliffs of insanity, The Washington Post has given notice that we haven’t seen anything yet.

The daftest bit of madness, the war on biological gender, is just part of it all. Sanity itself is now on trial, according to a book review in the Post’s Sunday Outlook section, “How colonialism and capitalism helped place a stigma on mental illness.”

In it, New York-based writer, Balaji Ravichandran discusses a book by Roy Richard Grinker entitled “NOBODY’S Normal: How Culture Created the Stigma of Mental Illness.” (more)

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Suicide is preventable. In 2019, approximately 47,500 lives were attributed to suicide. From 2018 to 2019, the suicide rate declined for the first time in more than a decade.

What is added by this report?

Suicide rates declined overall by 2.1%, among females by 3.2%, and among males by 1.8%, as well as in five states, certain demographic groups, and by certain mechanisms of suicide; however, disparities persist.

What are the implications for public health practice?

To build on 2019 progress, CDC’s Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices supports a comprehensive approach to prevention. Implementing such an approach, especially in disproportionately affected populations (e.g., American Indian/Alaska Natives), is needed in all states. (more)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Estimate has risen more than one percentage point from 2017 update

• Majority of LGBT Americans say they are bisexual

• One in six adults in Generation Z consider themselves LGBT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Gallup's latest update on lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender identification finds 5.6% of U.S. adults identifying as LGBT. The current estimate is up from 4.5% in Gallup's previous update based on 2017 data. (more)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• 67% say marriages between same-sex couples should be legally valid

• Current figure matches all-time high recorded in 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two in three Americans (67%) say marriages between same-sex couples should be recognized by the law as valid, matching the previous high Gallup measured in 2018. The latest figure comes just before the five-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that all states must recognize same-sex marriages. (more)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• 66% favor legal marijuana, unchanged from 2018

• Major differences in support by ideology, party and age

• 74% of blacks, 57% of Hispanics are in favor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Americans' support for legalizing marijuana has held steady at 66% over the past year, after rising 30 percentage points between 2005 and 2018. (more)