I Was Your Client, Not Your Debate Opponent
By Anonymous
Content notes: discussion of conversion practices targeting trans youth and young adults, childhood sexual abuse, transphobia, gaslighting and manipulation.
The following is an anonymous submission to our Can You Hear Us? project by a former client of James Cantor, the American-Canadian sexologist who has become a prolific anti-trans “expert” in American courts. We offer this story to give people an idea of what it’s really like to experience the “care” of anti-trans clinicians who are currently trying to oppose affirmation models of care.
If you need supports related to conversion practices, you can find information at Born Perfect (1-800-528-6257 (US)). Additional supports for trans and gender diverse people who are distressed or in crisis can be found at the Trevor Project (youth and young adults up to age 24, (866) 488-7386 (US)) or Trans LifeLine (adults, available in English and español, (877) 565-8860 (US) or (877) 330-6366 (CA)).
By the time I decided to go to gender exploratory therapy, I had been questioning my gender for many years. My fear, shame, and confusion had become unbearable after such a long time and I expressed to my parents that I would like professional help. They chose James Cantor as my therapist and I was grateful. I went willingly. I hoped that he would help me understand my own gender and decide whether transitioning was right for me.