Jonathan Van Ness, of "Queer Eye" fame, appeared on Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast for a discussion that soon escalated into a passionate debate.
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The conversation revolved around gender-affirming care and transgender youth, with Van Ness identifying as nonbinary and using they/he/she pronouns.
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Shepard claimed that The New York Times leans left and cited articles related to gender-affirming care as an example.
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Shepard suggested that these articles were merely "challenging" issues like puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy, which some individuals find uncomfortable.
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Shepard voiced concerns about adolescents making irreversible decisions and the risks associated with questioning these choices.
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Van Ness countered by highlighting the lifesaving impact of gender-affirming care, endorsed by prominent medical organizations.
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Research from The Trevor Project showed that gender-affirming hormone therapy reduced depression and suicide attempts among those under 18.
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Van Ness expressed frustration with the discourse around trans kids in sports, emphasizing the importance of inclusion for all children.
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The emotional exchange concluded with Shepard apologizing and expressing his admiration for Van Ness's activism and talent.
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an Ness, while not disappointed in Shepard, conveyed their emotional exhaustion from the ongoing debates surrounding transgender youth.
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