Bill Maher questioned if the surge in the LBGTQ population is because it is viewed as trendy to belong. Broken down over time, the LGBTQ population doubles every generation said Maher.
According to a recent poll, less than 1% of Americans born before 1940 identified as LGBTQ. That number has risen to more than 20% of Generation Z identifying with the group.
Maher said when trends change so drastically, and over a short period of time, people are allowed to ask questions.
“In the wake of America about to lose abortion rights, the ACLU recently tweeted a list of those who would be disproportionately harmed. You would think women might top that list. No, wasn’t even on the list. Second, on the list was LGBTQ,” informed Maher.
It is good for society to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community; however, “not everything is about you,” said Maher. Everyone has the right to question practices that affects the most vulnerable segment of society, children, he added. Examining why the surge in the LGBTQ community is happening to young people is acceptable.
“The answer can’t always be that anyone from a marginalized community is automatically right… end of discussion. Because we’re literally experimenting on children,” Maher argued.
Sweden and Finland’s decision to stop giving puberty blockers to children seems like a common-sense choice because little is known about the medication, said Maher.
“Because we just don’t know much about the long-term effects, although common sense should tell you when you reverse the course of raging hormones, there’s going to be problems,” said Maher.
Puberty blockers hinder bone density development. The drugs also cause fertility issues, and the ability to have an orgasm seems to be affected. “This is not just a lifestyle decision; it’s medical,” said Maher.
Maher said part of the increase in the LGBTQ community is that it is “trendy,” and some teens may be gravitating towards the group because they are going through a rebellious phase.
“Remember, the prime directive of every teen is anything to shock and challenge the squares that brought you up,” said Maher.
The spike in transgender numbers also appears to be regional. Maher questioned why the location of trans kids seems skewed.
It may be difficult to know if a child is going through a phase or if there is more going on, said Maher. Parents should be mindful that their child’s decision to become trans is not more than a childhood phase.
