Texas jury rules against divorced dad trying to stop 7-year-old son’s gender transition
A Texas jury has ruled against a dad seeking custody of his twin 7-year-old sons in an attempt to stop one of the boys from transitioning their gender, according to reports.
The Dallas panel denied Jeffrey Younger’s petition for sole custody of sons Jude and James — which came as the boys’ mom is pushing for James to begin hormone replacement therapy, according to the Washington Examiner.
The mom, pediatrician Anne Georgulas, contends that James is transgender, likes wearing dresses and prefers to be identified as “Luna,” according to The Texan.
Georgulas has secured a letter of recommendation for James to “receive a full psychological assessment for gender dysphoria and potentially take hormone blockers,” the Examiner reported, a move that Younger strongly opposes.
The battle came to the courts when Georgulas filed suit to restrict her ex-husband’s contact with the kids, require that he refer to James as “Luna” — and keep him away from those who refused to do the same, the Examiner reported.
Younger responded by petitioning the court for sole custody of the boys, with expert witnesses testifying that James’ identity is still very much in flux.
“There is still some fluidity in his thinking,” said Dr. Benjamin Albritton, according to the Examiner. “Neither child appears to be depressed, anxious or aggressive. … He gave no indications of other significant psychological difficulties.”
The jury on Monday sided with Georgulas, paving the way for her to pursue a possible transition for James.
At stake, potentially, is not just James’ identity in the here and now, but his health down the line.
Hormone therapy can cause infertility, as well as carrying potential health risks ranging from hair loss to blood clots, according to medical professionals.
A judge is expected to issue a formal ruling Wednesday.
Photo Credit: SaveJames.com