In a recent Rolling Stone article examining the critical importance of gender-affirming care, our founder Casey Weitzman was featured as an expert voice advocating for transgender youth and their families. This recognition highlights the essential work we do every day at Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, particularly as gender-affirming care faces unprecedented challenges nationwide.

A Voice for Compassionate Care

When journalist EJ Dickson reached out to Casey for expert insight on gender-affirming care practices, it represented more than just a media opportunity. It was a chance to speak up for the countless families we’ve worked with who have witnessed the transformative, life-saving benefits of appropriate gender care.

Casey’s inclusion in this important piece reflects our commitment to evidence-based, compassionate approaches to gender identity. As political debates continue to swirl around transgender healthcare, voices of experienced clinicians like Casey become increasingly vital to counter misinformation.

What the Science Actually Shows:

The Rolling Stone article addresses a crucial Health and Human Services (HHS) report that confirms what we’ve long known through both research and direct clinical experience: conversion therapy approaches that attempt to change a person’s gender identity aren’t just ineffective—they’re harmful.

As Casey has observed throughout her 31-year career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, supportive, affirmative care leads to better outcomes. Young people who are allowed to explore their gender identity in safe, therapeutic environments show remarkable resilience and growth.

Real Impact on Real Lives:

I remember when I first sat down with Luke, a trans-masculine client who at the time was a high school student. He was very afraid to come out to his parents and at school, worried that the lack of support or discrimination would be too much to handle.

Through work with Casey, Luke and his family found a path forward based not on political talking points, but on careful, individualized assessment and genuine care for their child’s wellbeing. A few years later, Luke came back to chat with us on our podcast, where he spoke to the life-changing effects of receiving gender-affirming care as a young person. “When I started gender-affirming care, I finally had someone listen to me and understand what I was going through. That support really carried me through not just my transition, but also through high school and now onto college. Having someone be your advocate is so incredibly important, especially when you don’t have the energy to do it for yourself.”

This is the reality of gender-affirming care that often gets lost in heated debates. We must remember, that this conversation is not about ideology—it’s about helping real families navigate complex emotional terrain with evidence-based guidance.

Standing Firm in Challenging Times:

As providers of gender-specific mental health care, we at Gender Wellness of Los Angeles remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a space where transgender, gender-diverse, and all LGBTQIA+ individuals can receive the support they deserve.

Casey’s voice in Rolling Stone represents our collective dedication to promoting equal access to gender-affirming care throughout the United States. As a WPATH member and experienced therapist, Casey brings decades of expertise to these crucial conversations that affect so many vulnerable young people.

Your Next Steps

If you’re a parent navigating your child’s gender journey, or someone exploring your own gender identity, you don’t have to walk this path alone. Our team at Gender Wellness of Los Angeles offers specialized support from professionals who understand the nuances of gender identity development.

We invite you to schedule a call with our office to receive a free therapy consultation. Taking this first step can open the door to transformative support for you or your loved one.

Call us today at (818) 855-1105 to learn more about our services.

Together, we can ensure that evidence-based, compassionate care remains available to all who need it—regardless of the political climate.

Thank you for reading the GenWell blog. You can read more about our team here. If you or a loved one is struggling on the journey with gender identity, we ask you to reach out via our contact form or call our office at (818) 855-1105. Your journey to your most authentic self starts here.

—The Gender Wellness of Los Angeles Team