KJ Elizabeth

Sad news. It happened a few months back but I only found out today. David Reimer committed suicide on May 4, 2004. That’s a name you’ve probably never heard before, but it’s one we should not forget.

After a botched circumcision as a baby, David’s sex was reassigned as female. It was the late 60s and his parents took this decision after being advised by respected gender identity expert Dr John Money.

Despite evidence to the contrary, Dr Money presented this case to the world as a great success. Claiming that “Brenda” behaved like a normal girl, thus proving his theory that one’s environment was more important than biology in gender development.

The truth however was that “Brenda” was an extremely troubled child with no friends. At age 14 s/he discovered the truth about her past. Happy and relieved, she torched her female clothing and changed back to live as a male. He had his breasts removed and began genital reconstructive surgery. As an adult he met and married a women with 3 children to whom he become their adopted father (David himself was unable to have children).

When undergoing treatment as a child, Dr Money would see David and his twin brother together and encourage them to do outrageous things like lie on top of each other in sexual-type positions, believing this would enhance Brenda’s development as a girl. Throughout their teens and beyond the twins remained troubled by the things Money made them do in these sessions.

In the last few years David’s twin brother died from an overdose after prolonged drug abuse and David slumped into a deep depression. He then lost his job and separated from his wife. He attempted suicide on at least two occasions before his death.

I was truly shocked and saddened to hear that David had killed himself. I was under the impression he remained happily married and while still troubled by his past had learned to live with it. Guess not.

Having a secure identity is very important to ones sense of self and self esteem, and gender identity is a crucial part of that. David’s family is in no doubt that the trauma of his past ultimately played a significant role in him taking his own life.

Dr John Money who treated David is one the worlds most respected authorities on gender identity issues. Despite his appalling handling of David’s case and evidence of terrible bias and gross misrepresentation, his work remains largely unchallenged. Academics and experts acknowledge his mistake with David, but treat it as if it was an isolated case. For me, this case is evidence of a researcher ignoring strong evidence that contradicted his own theories, and therefore casts doubt on all research he has conducted and his findings. Money has made an important contribution to our understanding of gender issues, but he’s also guilty of poor and biased research, blinded by his determination to prove his own theory. Researchers have a responsibility to disprove their own theories and explore all avenues before suggesting something to be probable, especially when treatment on humans is concerned.

RIP David Reimer

© 2004 KJ Elizabeth