Human Rights A Day

David Reimer, raised as “Brenda,” is born. Twins Bruce and Brian were born to Ron and Janet Reimer on August 22, 1965 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Six months later, when a failed circumcision severely damaged Bruce’s penis, a psychologist persuaded his parents to raise him as a girl. So, after much angst, they allowed doctors to physically alter their infant, and renamed him Brenda. They did so on the advice of renowned psychologist and sex researcher Dr. John Money of John Hopkins Hospital in the U.S. Money believed “gender identity” could be shaped at an early age, and for many years, he cited Brenda as a shining example. Meanwhile, Brenda Reimer – though in the dark as to her gender history – grew up feeling awkward, hated dresses and insisted on standing while urinating. When she was told the truth at age 14, she took the name David and regarded herself as a boy henceforth. In his 30s, Reimer shared his story with author John Colapinto, who in 2000 published the book, As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised