John Oliver takes on misinformation about gender-affirming care for trans youth

While discussing transgender issues on Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Sunday, Oliver took time to debunk misinformation about gender-affirming care. Misinformation has led to bans or restrictions for such care in a handful of Republican-led states, with many more considering such legislation.

“To hear some tell it, as soon as a child declares themselves trans, there is an immediate, irreversible surgical decision undertaken, and there just isn’t,” Oliver said, adding, “In younger children, it can mean nothing more than a social transition, like calling them by a new name, or giving them a new haircut or clothing, or providing them with psychological or behavioral support. Because, to be very clear, prepubescent children are not eligible for medical interventions.”

Oliver also addressed the false claim by some in the media that gender-affirming care is irreversible.

“At the onset of puberty, an adolescent and their family might consider puberty blockers, hormones that delay puberty,” Oliver said. “And importantly, if that treatment is suspended, then puberty will resume, meaning that this is reversible. Think of it like the pause button, the thing that you can’t do easily on the HBOMax app.”

And Oliver pointed out that the decision to transition is not one made on a whim.

“All of this would only happen after a team of medical professionals discussed all of its benefits with their patient and their patient’s parents or guardian, all of whom would have to sign off,” Oliver said. “It is a long, involved process, even before you get to the fact that it is also incredibly expensive.”

Video Transcript

JOHN OLIVER: To hear some tell it, as soon as a child declares themselves trans, there is an immediate, irreversible surgical decision undertaken. And there just isn't.

KYLIE MAR: On "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" Sunday, all of our debunked misinformation about gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Misinformation has led to bans or restrictions in a handful of Republican-led states, with many more states considering legislation.

JOHN OLIVER: In younger children, it can be nothing more than a social transition, like calling them by a new name, or giving them a new haircut, or clothing, or providing them with psychological or behavioral support. Because to be very clear, prepubescent children are not eligible for medical interventions.

KYLIE MAR: Oliver also refuted the claim by some that gender-affirming care is irreversible.

JOHN OLIVER: At the onset of puberty, and adolescent and their family might consider puberty blockers, hormones that delay puberty. And importantly, if that treatment is suspended, then puberty will resume, meaning that this is reversible. Think of it like a pause button.

KYLIE MAR: Gender-affirming care is supported by multiple medical groups in the US. And as Oliver pointed out, it's not a decision that is made on a whim.

JOHN OLIVER: All of this would only happen after a team of medical professionals discussed all of its risks and benefits with their patient and their patients parent or guardian, all of whom would have to sign off. It is a long involved process even before you get to the fact that it is also incredibly expensive.