Thread by @hannahsbee

In November 2019, we made two pieces on detransitioning – for @BBCNewsnight and @BBCfileon4. They featured ‘Debbie, ’ who began transitioning to a man at the age of 44.

Watch: bit.ly/38Pyy0U
Listen: bbc.in/2C4KEqX
Read: bbc.in/32c57VA

She had been given testosterone at her first appointment, and completed a full surgical transition over a number of years. She changed her name legally to Lee. When we spoke, Debbie had taken the decision, after 17 years, to stop her testosterone injections.

She wanted to detransition and posed the question, “how the hell do I go back to being the Debbie that I was?” Speaking then, Debbie was unsure about what the long-term implications may be for her and talked about the possibility of reversing some of her surgery.

She was being seen by one of the NHS’s Gender Identity Clinics, but said they were not sure how to help.

Today, Debbie, now preferring to be called Lee again, is pictured along with four more detransitioning or detransitioned women in @BareReality ‘s piece for the Sunday Times

thetimes.co.uk/article/25f95e…

Lee is quoted as saying, “I thought I would detransition, but I’ve decided I can’t physically do it. My body can’t take it. I’m not sure I’d survive all the surgeries. I’d be battling my body for the rest of my life. I have to accept my body the way it is now.”

“On the outside people see a little bloke. Inside I’m a traumatised little girl. But I’m more accepting of myself for the first time ever.”

I hope they can find happiness and peace.