The University of Minnesota has launched a project to create "therapeutic" transgender dolls for children as young as 4. The project, which has been in the works for years, aims to provide clinicians and educators with a tool to help children understand and express their gender identity.
The dolls, designed by faculty at the university's Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, mimic classic paper dolls and feature drawings of children of different ages, shapes, and skin colors. The project is reportedly "grounded in gender-affirming clinical practices" and is intended to be a resource for those working with children aged 4-10.
However, the project has attracted criticism from the American College of Pediatricians, which is focused on protecting the biological integrity of children against transgender ideology. The organization's immediate past president, Dr. Quentin Van Meter, has described the dolls as "just a grooming tool" and "have no place in an ethical medical care world."
Dr. Van Meter expressed concerns that even young children are being exposed to this, which could cause them to become "confused" and "vulnerable to anxiety." He also stated that the clear basis for gender dysphoria is "emotional trauma caused by ideologues as parents or teachers or counselors."
The University of Minnesota has maintained that the project is solely funded through private donations, but it remains unclear whether taxpayers are contributing to the program. This is not the first instance of the university engaging in transgender-related initiatives that have raised concerns – in 2024, the university's National Center for Gender Health offered to pay children to play with the dolls.
The university's involvement in this project has sparked outrage, with many questioning the appropriateness of introducing young children to such a sensitive and complex topic. The controversy surrounding this project serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding gender identity and its place in education and healthcare.
