5: The BOY Who Was Raised As A GIRL

In today's episode, Jen goes over the the John/Joan case and/or the story of David Reimer, who went through a gender change at just 22 months old. David was born as Bruce, but was eventually was raised as Brenda Reimer until 14 years old when "Brenda" was told that they were in fact born a male. David Reimer born as Bruce Reimer, was a healthy baby boy. Until he was 6 months old when he developed phimosis. His parents were informed by doctors to have Bruce and his twin brother, Brian, get a circumsicion. This resulted in Bruce's genitals being burned off.  He was raised to be intersex, until his family met with Doctor John Money, who told the parents that Bruce would be more successful if he went under a sex change and raised to be female. The Reimer’s agreed, and at just 22 months old, Bruce went under the knife. He was now raised as Brenda.  “Brenda” was never informed of this, but always struggled with her gender identity, feeling like she was born to be a boy. It wasn’t until years later when Brenda was informed of what actually happened. Brenda would go onto be David.  This episode, we dive deep into what happened to David, his family, and the aftermath.  Please NOTE: This is a safe place for those in the LGBTQ+ community and those who are transgender, or in similar communities. Please beware that some discussions around this case have HEAVY transphobic narratives. This is NOT a safe place for transphobic individuals or those who use this case as a way to disregard those who choose to have a gender change, or don't fit into the "Male" or "Female" gender roles. Trigger Warning: Transphobia mentions, genital mutilation, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicide Request a case Disclaimer: If anything we say is incorrect, or ignorant please comment below, or email us. If you are personally affected by this case or any of our future cases/episodes, and would like us to delete or take down the video, please also contact us. Thanks for listening