'Major victory': Detransitioner endorses Ohio bill prohibiting 'gender-affirming care' for minors

A woman who has detransitioned says she feels "happy and relieved" after Ohio's "major victory" last week in passing new legislation that prohibits minors from receiving hormones and sex reassignment surgeries.

The law, which prohibits transgender women from participating in sports, was passed after state senators overturned Governor Mike DeWine's veto.

Chloe Cole, who previously described to Planet Chronicle how she underwent "gender-affirming treatment" as a young teen and later regretted it, claims that the term "gender-affirming treatment" is often used in a misleading way.

She explained to Planet Chronicle Digital that 'bottom surgery' and 'top surgery' are euphemisms used by practitioners to refer to genital modification and removal surgeries, as well as surgical breast/nipple removal or augmentations.

"The use of simplified phrases that minimize the importance of these procedures, which ultimately serve a cosmetic purpose and reduce the body's functionality, is heavily criticized."

Cole argued that those who support transgender treatments for children are disregarding their right to become "completely healthy and whole adults" capable of living life to its fullest potential. He pointed out that such treatments can lead to sterilization, sexual dysfunction, and underdevelopment of the body. Despite the belief that parents should pursue such treatments to prevent their children from committing suicide, Cole emphasized that studies show that suicide rates are actually 19 times higher post-op.

"Cole stated that the bill, which takes away reproductive capabilities and stops natural development, makes individuals dependent on the pharmaceutical industry for life, while it does not affect the ability of transgender adults to pursue medical transition."

Riley Gaines, an All-American swimmer, commended the bill as a "huge victory" for Americans and a "clear statement" that Ohio supports women and children.

The activist thanked Rep. Gary Click for sponsoring the bill and lawmakers for overriding the governor's veto, after competing against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas.

"They've been working on it for a long time and it's definitely no easy feat what they have done. They're saving girls and women and children all across Ohio and setting the precedent for the nation," she said.

The Women's Bill of Rights ambassador, who is advocating for states to define what a woman is, highlighted the importance of transgender athletes competing in women's sports due to safety and privacy concerns in girls' locker rooms.

"In volleyball, basketball, and field hockey, we have witnessed multiple concussions and career-ending injuries. Recently, a girl in field hockey had her teeth knocked out and required facial and dental surgeries. This not only ruins the season or career of that one female but discourages others from playing. The recent actions of USA Boxing, which resulted in appalling consequences, have further highlighted the issue."

"Gaines expressed his heartbreak, stating that it is more than frustrating and angering to see men being celebrated for beating up on women in the name of progress. He questioned the compassion of those who have pushed such policies, asking where their empathy is for the women affected."

Gov. DeWine previously stated in a press conference that he vetoed the legislation due to the "profound consequences" it would have on children with gender dysphoria.

"He stated that the issue is ultimately about safeguarding human life. Several parents have informed him that their child would not have survived and would be deceased today if they had not received the treatment they received from one of Ohio's children's hospitals. Additionally, he has been told by adults who have grown up that, without this care, they would have taken their lives when they were teenagers."

Vivek Ramaswamy, a former GOP presidential candidate from Ohio, disagreed with DeWine's statement.

"Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has vetoed a bill that would have prohibited boys from participating in girls' sports and prevented children from undergoing genital mutilation and chemical castration. Even Ohio's Lieutenant Governor, Jon Husted, supported the bill's passage. DeWine's decision is disappointing."

Planet Chronicle' Paulina Dedaj and Houston Keene contributed to this report.