When Harry Became Sally is Ryan T. Anderson’s response to what the author calls the “Transgender moment”. Anderson believes that rather than focusing on transitioning for young children and teenagers who identify as Transgender, it is imperative to provide these children and youth with counseling and therapy so that they can accept themselves and their bodies as they are. Anderson also states that sex reassignment surgery does not “make” a boy a girl and vice versa and there is no such things as intersex, or a third sex, but that variations are due to disorders of sexual development (DSD). I found myself struggling somewhat when writing this review. Not so much because of the content of the book, which is organized, well explained and easy to understand. The issue stems more from Anderson’s assertions in chapter one; Our Transgender Moment and chapter seven; Gender and Culture. 

 Anderson’s main points and statement is clear; young children should not start transitioning (hormone treatment, surgery) until adulthood due to the fact that most children outgrow their Gender Dysphoria according to sources presented by Anderson. Anderson believes that the process of transitioning early in life can be emotionally, psychologically and physically harmful. Anderson utilizes stories from individuals who regretted transitioning, and who has detransitioned later in life. Anderson clearly states and explains, that he genuinely feels for and is sympathetic regarding the real feelings of children and adults with Gender Dysphoria. 

In chapter one, I believe that some of the underlying issues stem from Anderson’s insinuation that there is a “transgender conspiracy” and that we have all been deceived by media and political motives. In the beginning of the book, Anderson makes repeated statements regarding how the federal government is being influenced by Hollywood and popular media to encourage what Anderson believes is an “advanced transgender agenda”, which is then being forced upon all of society. Anderson feels that we are politicizing medical issues and in essence providing customers with what they desire rather than what may be in their best interest to promote health. 

In chapter seven, Anderson makes references to similarities between the transgender movement and feminism in several ways, while making a side claim that “…feminists focus monomanically on abortion” (p. 152). The feminist “agenda” would in essence then be abortion. While this may be true to some extent as many feminists are very passionate about women’s rights in regards to abortion, feminists are by no means the only interest group taking the issue of abortion to the forefront of discussion. 

When focusing on how transgender rights have become politicized, and the link between feminism and transgender rights, Anderson seems to forget that most movements are in fact fueled by politics. While Anderson states that the federal government has jumped on the bandwagon to support a “transgender agenda”, the same assertion can be made in the case for abortion as many politicians support a “pro-life agenda”. So called “heartbeat bills” have been enacted in Georgia and Ohio making abortion illegal once a heartbeat can be detected, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Some of these “heartbeat bills” include provisions for possible prison time for women having abortions after the detection of a heartbeat as well as for those providing abortion services. When Anderson claims that much of the transgender movement is not rooted in science, the same can be said for beliefs expressed by those who are adamantly pro-life. Many of us can remember the ill-worded convictions of Todd Akin in regards to his statement of “legitimate rape”. On another note, there are other interest groups pushing certain agendas that are not scientifically proven and whose results are harmful. “Anti-vaxxers” comes to mind, which are individuals who do not believe that it is safe to vaccinate their children against common childhood diseases. This belief is based on the conviction that there is a correlation between vaccinations and autism despite overwhelming research showing that this is not the case.

Another example that Anderson provides and discusses in depth is the rather newly formed laws regarding how transgender youth based on chosen gender identify may use the restroom and locker rooms they best feel represent them. I understand Anderson’s point of view, however, the same can be said of all interest groups, that they are pushing a certain agenda, and that they are focusing only on a portion of the population. I also believe that Anderson is minimizing the violence, verbal abuse, and physical assaults on members of the transgender community. Anderson does mention violence briefly but asserts that most negative comments and harassment is within the transgender community, mostly against those who have detransitioned. As mentioned, I understand where Anderson is taking the discussion, but feels that he fails to note that most movements, are political in nature, and that they all have an underlying agenda, not just the transgender, or the feminist  movement.

Anderson does take on a topic that is very controversial and that most people have opinions and strong feelings about, but may not want to discuss, and that is commendable. It is noteworthy that Anderson does not stray away from having a discussion or debate regarding medical interventions and surgeries some youth desire when transitioning, as this is also a much debated topic. Anderson’s arguments are presented in such a way that they are easy to understand and follow, which makes the book an interesting read.

Ⓒ 2020 Hennie Weiss

Hennie Weiss has a master’s degree in Sociology from CSUS and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work from CSUS. Her academic interests also include women’s studies and feminism.