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Months after her removal from the Texas House for opposing gender-transitioning care for children, Democratic Houston Rep. Shawn Thierry has taken on a new role with an international anti-trans policy group.
Thierry, who previously served four terms before losing her primary this year, was recently announced as the Director of Political Strategy for the United States division of Genspect. Genspect, founded in 2021 by Irish psychotherapist Stella O’Malley, is part of a larger network of organizations that advocate against gender-transitioning care for minors.
Genspect has faced criticism from medical experts for using questionable science to support their views, including false claims linking peer pressure, pornography, and gender dysphoria. The organization has also partnered with conservative groups and maintains that individuals under 25 should not be allowed to transition due to brain maturity concerns.
Thierry and Genspect have not commented on their new collaboration, but Thierry had previously supported legislation banning gender-transition care for children, which led to her defeat in the May elections.
Despite the controversy surrounding her stance, Thierry remains critical of gender-transition care and has aligned herself with individuals and groups that share her views.
The Houston LGBTQ+ Caucus has expressed its support for Thierry’s successor and its intention to promote legislation benefiting the LGBTQ+ community in the future.
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