Key Findings

• Surveyed 237 detransitioners from online communities about their specific needs and whether those needs were being met
• 70% reported realizing gender dysphoria was related to other issues; 62% cited health concerns as a reason for detransition
• Major psychological needs identified: gender dysphoria management, comorbid conditions, feelings of regret, and internalized prejudices
• Significant medical needs found: stopping/changing hormone therapy, surgery complications, and reversal interventions
• Respondents reported a major lack of support overall, with negative experiences from medical/mental health systems and the LGBT+ community

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the specific needs of detransitioners from online detrans communities and discover to what extent they are being met. For this purpose, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted and gathered a sample of 237 male and female detransitioners. The results showed important psychological needs in relation to gender dysphoria, comorbid conditions, feelings of regret and internalized homophobic and sexist prejudices. It was also found that many detransitioners need medical support notably in relation to stopping/changing hormone therapy, surgery/treatment complications and reversal interventions. Additionally, the results indicated the need for hearing about other detransitioners' experiences and meeting each other. A major lack of support was reported by the respondents overall, with a lot of negative experiences coming from medical and mental health systems and from the LGBT+ community. The study highlights the importance of increasing awareness and support given to detransitioners.

Summary

Vandenbussche conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 237 detransitioners to analyze their specific needs and assess whether support services were meeting those needs. The study found important psychological and medical needs related to gender dysphoria, comorbid conditions, regret, and hormone therapy management, with 70% of participants realizing their dysphoria was related to other issues. A major lack of support was reported overall, with respondents experiencing negative interactions from medical systems, mental health providers, and the LGBT+ community.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of increasing awareness and support given to detransitioners, as a major lack of support was reported by respondents overall. Detransitioners reported significant negative experiences from medical and mental health systems as well as from the LGBT+ community. The findings underscore the need for healthcare providers and support services to better understand and address the specific needs of individuals who detransition, including psychological support, medical care for reversal interventions, and peer support networks.