7am The outdated trans study still doing damage
Oct 12, 2025
Mon Schafter, a Walkley Award-winning journalist and the founding editor of ABC Queer, dives into the lasting impact of a controversial 1970s study on transgender youth. They discuss how this outdated research is still misused to undermine trans healthcare today. Schafter shares the harrowing story of Jane, who was subjected to harmful treatment as a child and how these experiences shape current policy debates. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the ramifications of past studies on present-day trans rights and healthcare.
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Flawed Historical Study Framed As Treatment
- A 1987 Medical Journal of Australia paper described psychotherapeutic 'treatment' of gender-nonconforming children at a Perth psychiatric hospital in 1975–80.
- The study assumed gender nonconformity was pathological and promoted separating children from parents as therapy.
Old Paper Reused In Modern Policy Battles
- Decades-old research that pathologised trans kids is now cited in modern legal and policy debates internationally.
- Opponents of gender-affirming care use the paper to argue social or familial causes rather than natural diversity.
Jane's Hospitalisation And Survival Strategy
- Jane believes she matched a case in the Kosky report and was admitted to Stubbs Terrace in 1975 and held nearly six months.
- She suppressed her gender presentation to gain favour and eventually left the program to live as expected temporarily.