Australian Research Reinforces That Attempting to Suppress or Alter Gender Identity is Ineffective and Harmful

Recent research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) emphasizes that efforts to suppress or modify a child's gender identity and sexuality are not only ineffective but also cause significant long-term psychological harm. This study responds directly to a 1987 article originating from Western Australia, which suggested that inpatient psychiatric therapy aimed at correcting gender-variant behaviors could lead children to adopt a cisgender identity. That older research has been frequently cited by opponents of gender-affirming care to oppose current medical practices.

The new investigation was led by transgender researcher Jayne MacFayden, who shared her personal childhood experience of being admitted to the same hospital and undergoing similar treatments. MacFayden's account aligns with clinical details from the past, but she and her co-authors challenge the notion that therapy could change innate gender experiences. She reports that such targeted therapy delayed her self-acceptance by decades and caused lasting psychological damage, although her sense of personal identity remained intact.

Dr. Anja Ravine from MCRI criticized the outdated treatment approaches, revealing they relied on suppression, denial, and coercive tactics akin to conversion therapy. Her analysis uncovered that children’s agency was often ignored, with hospital stays prolonged despite objections from both children and their families. Discharges were conditional on displaying stereotypical gender behaviors, fostering a persistent fear of re-hospitalization.

Professor Timothy Jones from La Trobe University highlighted the danger of perpetuating misinformation, noting that harmful, peer-reviewed papers continue to be cited to support bans on gender-affirming therapies and to guide clinical decisions negatively impacting transgender youth.

The research underscores the critical need for current mental health and medical authorities to combat misinformation and adopt evidence-based practices. The ongoing review of Australian guidelines for transgender and gender-diverse children aims to ensure that care is rooted in scientific evidence and respects the autonomy of young individuals.

Additional studies linked to this research discuss the flaws in the 1987 article, emphasizing that psychological harm resulted from treatments based on outdated and discredited theories. Overall, the findings advocate for affirming approaches that support the well-being and authentic self-expression of gender-diverse children, countering decades of harmful practices.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-efforts-suppress-gender-identity-ineffective.html