When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment

When Harry Became Sally examines contemporary debates about transgender identity, gender dysphoria treatment, and related public policies. Author Ryan T. Anderson presents research, case studies, and interviews to analyze what he terms the rapid social changes around gender identity. The book addresses medical, psychological, and philosophical questions surrounding gender transition procedures and explores their implications for children, parents, doctors, and society. Anderson evaluates current medical practices and policies while incorporating perspectives from detransitioners who share their personal experiences. Published in 2018 by Encounter Books, the work generated significant discussion and controversy, leading to its removal from Amazon's platform in 2021 under their hate speech policy. The book received divergent responses, with strong criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and support from conservative commentators. At its core, the text represents a conservative philosophical perspective on gender identity, questioning certain medical and social approaches while advocating for alternative frameworks for understanding and responding to gender dysphoria.

Readers describe this book as either a research-based examination of transgender issues or an attack on transgender people, depending on their perspective. Supportive readers cite: - References to medical studies and statistics - Focus on detransition stories and medical risks - Discussion of policy implications for healthcare and education - Clear writing style and organization Critical readers object to: - Cherry-picked data and studies - Lack of input from transgender individuals - Outdated medical information - Arguments they view as one-sided The book currently has: Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,300+ ratings) Goodreads: 4.04/5 (1,100+ ratings) Note: Amazon removed then reinstated the book in 2021. Many reviews appear politically motivated on both sides. Common reader quote from positive reviews: "Well-researched examination of a complex issue" Common reader quote from negative reviews: "Presents selective evidence while ignoring contrary studies"

Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier. This investigation examines social factors and medical practices surrounding transgender identification among adolescent girls.

The End of Gender: Debunking the Myths about Sex and Identity by Debra Soh. The text presents scientific research on biological sex differences and their relationship to gender identity.

Gender Dysphoria: A Therapeutic Model for Working with Children, Adolescents and Young Adults by Susan Evans. This clinical guide outlines psychotherapeutic approaches to treating gender dysphoria from a developmental perspective.

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman. The book traces historical developments in Western thought that shaped current concepts of gender and identity.

Trans Life Survivors by Walt Heyer. The author compiles accounts from individuals who have experienced gender transition and detransition.

🔹 The book's title plays on "When Harry Met Sally," but was temporarily delisted from Amazon in 2021, making it one of the few books removed from the platform's catalog. 🔹 Author Ryan T. Anderson is the president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and previously served as the youngest editor of The Witherspoon Institute's journal "Public Discourse." 🔹 The publication coincided with a significant surge in gender clinics in the United States, which increased from around 40 in 2018 to over 100 by 2022. 🔹 Anderson holds a Ph.D. in Political Philosophy from Notre Dame and has testified before Congress on multiple occasions regarding religious liberty and civil rights. 🔹 The book draws heavily from a specific subset of detransitioners' experiences, including Walt Heyer and others who have publicly shared their stories of transitioning and later reversing their decisions.