J.K. Rowling: Puberty is ‘single best cure’ to gender dysphoria

The latest research on pediatric gender dysphoria is catching up to the rapid proliferation of gender-altering treatments offered to youth, leading many Western countries to hit the brakes.

That includes the United Kingdom, home to author J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame, who has also become known for her fierce and witty defense of women’s rights and criticism of radical pro-trans ideology on X (formerly Twitter).

“The vast majority of children grow out of gender dysphoria if allowed to go through puberty,” she posted, in a dispute with a doctor and a pro-trans activist. “The single best cure is letting nature take its course.”

Rowling’s post also linked to a 2022 study that “lends credibility to concerns that early social gender transition can lead to persistence of pediatric gender dysphoria.” 

But such research hasn’t stopped some doctors in gender medicine from continuing to push life-altering, irreversible medical interventions that can leave young patients infertile and less happy than before. 

One such doctor, Jack Turban, debated with Rowling after the best-selling author posted to X about the relative recent change of heart from British public officials who are now cautioning against using puberty blockers, especially after a bombshell report released last year, led by British doctor Hillary Cass. 

The online debate started after Rowling posted an interview of Lisa Nandy, the U.K.’s secretary of state for culture, media and sport, who expressed agreement with the country’s health secretary, Wes Streeting, who supports a ban on puberty blockers. 

Turban replied with a link to research he believes shows better mental health outcomes for youth who used blockers. 

Rowling replied, “Forgive me if I don’t take your word on these matters, Dr Turban,” linking to a lengthy piece questioning Turban’s depth of knowledge and motivations. 

Turban dismissed the critiques as “right-wing,” but Rowling continued to pile on: 

That’s when another pro-trans user chimed in, claiming “there is literally over 100 years of evidence that transitioning lessens or cures gender dysphoria.” 

To this comes Rowling’s simple reply, already quoted above, that the “single best cure” for gender dysphoria is puberty itself.