The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling on March 31st, a decision that directly impacts my ability to help young people grappling with profound questions about their identities. Colorado law attempted to restrict licensed counselors like myself from providing support to children experiencing gender dysphoria, specifically hindering conversations aimed at helping them feel comfortable in their own bodies – even when that’s what the children themselves desired.
I challenged this restriction, a form of censorship, with the assistance of legal advocates, and the Court sided with me in an 8-1 decision. This victory isn’t simply about protecting my profession; it’s about safeguarding the fundamental right to open and honest dialogue, a cornerstone of our nation’s founding principles. It affirms that even when the government disagrees, the freedom to debate ideas must be preserved.
Colorado’s law posed a genuine threat to the well-being of vulnerable children. It actively discouraged counselors from exploring a client’s desire to align their identity with their biological sex, instead pushing them toward a predetermined path of social transition and potentially irreversible medical interventions. This effectively silenced counselors and denied families the freedom to choose the support that best suited their child’s needs.
As a clinically trained counselor, my core responsibility is to listen to my clients, to understand their unique experiences, and to guide them toward thoughtful decisions. The state law would have forced me to suppress my professional judgment and personal beliefs, undermining the very foundation of the therapeutic relationship. Clients seek counselors they trust, those who offer a safe space for exploration, not a prescribed agenda.
This censorship robbed young people of something vital: a non-judgmental ear, a compassionate guide, someone to walk alongside them through confusion and pain. The Court’s decision recognizes the inherent danger in silencing these voices and imposing a singular viewpoint on such deeply personal struggles. It’s a powerful reminder that censorship has historically been used to suppress dissenting ideas, and it has no place in a free society.
Throughout history, attempts to control thought have always failed. The Court’s ruling serves as a crucial reminder of First Amendment principles, reaffirming that the government cannot dictate what is said within the counseling room. I urge my fellow counselors to critically examine the prevailing narratives surrounding gender ideology and to prioritize the well-being of young people above all else.
Research suggests that a significant majority of children experiencing gender dysphoria – around 90% before puberty – will eventually come to identify with their birth sex. However, this natural process of “desistance” is dramatically reduced when children are encouraged to socially transition and are treated as if they are a different gender. This ultimately leads to more children pursuing potentially harmful and unproven medical interventions.
The acceptance of certain ideas simply because they are promoted by professional groups or amplified by the media does not equate to truth. We, as professionals, have a responsibility to rigorously examine the scientific evidence, even when it challenges prevailing trends. It’s time to acknowledge that our profession has, in some ways, lost the public’s trust and to actively work to rebuild it.
The children struggling with these complex issues deserve nothing less. This Supreme Court ruling provides an opportunity to prioritize their well-being, to foster open dialogue, and to pursue truth without fear of censorship. I hope we can all embrace the Court’s commitment to protecting young people and their families from flawed science, compromised freedoms, and unwarranted political interference.
