Ruby began identifying as male at 13 years old. Now 21 she'd been planning to have surgery to remove her breasts but in May she made the decision to come off testosterone and detransition to identify as female her sex at birth. Ruby now feels her eating disorder was more of a factor than she first realized in her gender dysphoria. There's currently no data for how many in the trans community detransition and to talk about it can be viewed as transphobic.
The movement for trans rights hits its stride in the early 2010s, but encounters fierce resistance from an unexpected source. J.K. Rowling watches the battle unfold with mounting unease.
Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.