A major long-term study out of Toronto is shedding new light on gender dysphoria in children—specifically boys. Researchers followed 139 boys who were referred to a clinic for gender identity concerns, and the results might surprise you.
Most of the boys, who were first assessed around age 7, no longer experienced gender dysphoria as they grew up. In fact, nearly 88% of them eventually identified with their biological sex and did not go on to transition.
This study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, is the largest of its kind. It looked at children referred to the Gender Identity Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto between 1975 and 2009.
What Did the Study Find?
Here’s what researchers discovered when they checked in with participants during adolescence and early adulthood:
- 87.8% of the boys desisted, meaning they no longer felt gender dysphoria.
- 12.2% of the boys persisted, continuing to experience gender dysphoria as they aged.
Of all the participants, 63.6% were found to be gay or bisexual, while 33.3% were heterosexual. The remaining few reported no sexual fantasies at all.
Interestingly, social class played a role. Boys from lower-income backgrounds were slightly more likely to persist in their dysphoria than those from more affluent families. The researchers suggested this might be because accepting a gay identity can be more difficult in certain social or cultural environments.
What About Early Transitions?
One big difference between this study and more recent approaches is that very few of the boys had socially transitioned before puberty. In fact, only one participant had done so. Today, some clinics recommend allowing children to socially transition—change names, pronouns, clothing, etc.—at a much younger age.
Another earlier study, published in 2003, found higher rates of persistence. That study included kids who had socially transitioned, and it turned out that early transitioning was linked to a stronger likelihood of continuing to identify as transgender into adulthood.
Why Does This Matter?
The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that not all children who experience gender dysphoria will continue to feel that way as they grow older. The study doesn’t suggest one path is right for everyone—but it does raise questions about how early interventions, like social transitions, may affect outcomes.
The researchers also pointed out that decades ago, treatment often focused on helping kids become more comfortable with their biological sex. This might look very different from today's more affirming approaches.
At the end of the day, every child is unique. But understanding long-term patterns like these can help parents, clinicians, and young people themselves make informed decisions about care.
Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt…
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