Dr. Dianna T. Kenny, a child and adolescent psychologist and academic with more than 30 years of experience in clinical practice, trauma, mental health, and human behavior, has published a book titled InTRANSigence that presents a critical examination of medical practices surrounding youth gender transition. The work draws on decades of clinical experience, psychological research, and global medical data to challenge the prevailing assumption that medical transition is the only solution for gender-dysphoric youth. Dr. Kenny argues that many young people are influenced by social contagion, mental health struggles, and ideological pressure, which can lead to irreversible medical interventions without adequate exploration of underlying causes.
Her research into youth gender medicine began after observing a dramatic rise in adolescent referrals for gender transition, particularly among girls with complex mental health histories. The book is structured as a forensic inquiry, exploring themes including the dangers of medicalization and the myth of informed consent among minors. Additional key themes addressed in the work include the rise of detransition, the erosion of scientific standards, and the potential of psychotherapy as an alternative to surgical intervention. Dr. Kenny positions InTRANSigence as both a scientific and humanitarian intervention, urging society to protect vulnerable youth through evidence-based care, ethical responsibility, and compassion.
She describes the current landscape as one of ideology-driven medicine and the silencing of scientific dissent. As a marital and family therapist, researcher, and author, Dr. Kenny's book represents her professional and ethical response to what she identifies as a lack of scientific rigor and oversight in current medical practices for gender-dysphoric youth. The publication aims to contribute to a more nuanced discussion on the care of young people experiencing gender dysphoria by presenting alternative perspectives that emphasize comprehensive psychological assessment before considering medical interventions.
This work matters because it addresses fundamental questions about medical ethics, adolescent development, and the balance between patient autonomy and professional responsibility in sensitive healthcare decisions. The implications of Dr. Kenny's arguments extend to clinical guidelines, parental education, and public policy discussions surrounding youth gender care. By highlighting concerns about irreversible treatments and the influence of social factors, the book challenges healthcare systems to prioritize thorough diagnostic processes and consider psychotherapy alternatives, potentially reshaping how society approaches supporting gender-dysphoric youth while protecting their long-term wellbeing.
