Lesson Learnt The Hard Way

The case of David Reimer has been used by the proponents of the “gender is inborn” theory as proof that they are right and against Dr. John Money’s deceptive ideas. If Dr. Money and the Reimers had listened to David’s arguments and considered his feelings, they wouldn’t have enforced the feminine identity that led to much of his trauma.

It can be difficult to enforce, or even predict with certainty, what gender identity a person will grow up to have. Most importantly, however, is that treating children with shame, secrecy, and lies will cause them to suffer at the hands of people who may think they have the best intentions for them. For David, having his identity suppressed led to depression and, ultimately, death, as the trauma became too much to bear.