Crenshaw grills Dem witness over failure to name one study citing benefits of surgeries for trans kids

As lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives debate the Equality Act, which seeks to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Representative Dan Crenshaw took the opportunity to grill Dem witness Dr. Rachel Levine over the lack of studies on the benefits of surgeries for trans kids. During the heated exchange, Crenshaw repeatedly asked Levine to name just one study that supports such surgeries, but Levine was unable to do so. Levine, who is the Assistant Secretary of Health, responded by saying that she would be happy to provide the congressman with follow-up information. However, the exchange highlights a larger issue on the lack of research on transgender healthcare, especially for minors, and the need for more data to inform policies and decisions. On one side, advocates argue that such surgeries can improve mental health outcomes for trans individuals, while opponents raise concerns over the long-term effects and the ethical considerations surrounding children’s consent. As debates continue, it’s clear that this is a complex issue that requires more than just political rhetoric or personal opinions. It requires objective, evidence-based research to guide the best ways to care for and support marginalized communities such as transgender individuals.