First-known puberty blocker patient says 'insulting' youth gender movement makes mockery of true dysphoria
The Times spoke with "FG," a patient in adolescent transgender medicine from the Netherlands, who was the first known person given puberty blockers at 13years-old in the 1980s to stop female development.
"FG" explained dealing with anger issues as a child and feeling uncomfortable living as a girl. The fear of going through puberty led the teen to express suicidal thoughts in a letter and eventually seek out medical treatment to stop normal development, as well as cross-sex hormones and gender reassignment surgery later on.
Now, living as a man decades later with no regrets, "FG" believes puberty blockers "saved my life."
Despite being a proponent of these medical interventions, "FG" was not supportive of the modern gender diversity movement.
"So many of the young people now want to visibly challenge the binary," New York Times reporter Azeen Ghorayshi told "FG," asking, "What do you make of that? And what do you make of what that means for getting the medical treatment that you pioneered?"
"I find that it's gone — it's gone a bit extreme to the other side," "FG" replied. "So it makes a laughingstock of what it's really about. Or at least, it seems to be a fashion statement nowadays."
"FG" equated the current gender climate to other youth rebellion movements of the past where young people forged their identities "to stand out," saying gender seemed to be another forum for that today.
"And for the group that is pure, like proper transsexuals, this flirting with pronouns and gender identity — it's insulting," "FG" continued.
"FG", who works in the medical field and asked to stay anonymous out of a desperate desire to fit in as a man, said it seemed like young people now treat their gender identity as a fad.
"Because like I said, we spend all our time trying to just fit in or be able to live the life that we feel we should have had. And it's not a great help when you've got people shouting from the barricades and trying to give you a different position, a third sex or whatever, and then talk about things that we don't want you to talk about, so that they can identify you," "FG" added.
"I don't take a lot of these people that seriously, because it does seem to be a bit of a fashion statement."
Shortly after taking office for his second term, President Donald Trump signed an executive order cutting off federal funding for institutions who engage in "chemical and surgical" sex-change procedures for minors.
"Across the country today, medical professionals are maiming and sterilizing a growing number of impressionable children under the radical and false claim that adults can change a child's sex through a series of irreversible medical interventions," the order, titled "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," states. "This dangerous trend will be a stain on our Nation's history, and it must end."
A number of hospitals nationwide challenged the order earlier this year, with some vowing to continue providing these medical interventions for minors.
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The Intercept
25 minutes ago
- The Intercept
Bari Weiss's Free Press Wants You to Know Some Kids Being Starved by Israel Were Already Sick
Starving Palestinian children line up for meals at the Nuseirat refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on Aug. 18, 2025. Photo: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu via Getty Images What killed Anne Frank? The Nazis killed Anne Frank. To suggest that any other cause was primary in her vastly premature death is tantamount to vile Holocaust denialism — which is why Holocaust denialists do indeed point out that Frank died of typhus in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. This is precisely the logic that Israel's apologists in the media have deployed in recent days when it comes to the deliberate starvation of the population of Gaza. The right-wing Free Press published a story on Sunday, framed as an investigative exposé, revealing that at least 12 of the Palestinian children featured in viral images depicting the state of Israel-induced famine were not only starving, but … were also sick. The supposed gotcha is that children with disabilities and preexisting health conditions, who cannot get the treatment and nutrition they need because of Israel's genocidal siege, are not representative of the population. And — the horror! — photographs of these non-representative children are prompting global outrage. The idea is we are supposed to be less horrified by the fact that children with disabilities like cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis are starving to death under the deliberate siege policies of a wealthy, occupying nation-state and its backers. The Free Press, helmed by former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss, is suggesting that in failing to either emphasize or mention the children's health conditions as well as the Israel-induced malnutrition that is killing them, Western media sources using the images are unfairly maligning Israel — despite the fact that it is Israel's genocidal actions that have brought the children to a condition of bare life. It is the very nature of genocide to involve the destruction of conditions necessary for sustaining life, such that sickness as well as direct slaughter destroys, in part or whole, the targeted population. 'This information does not change the fact that the children depicted in this story are suffering from malnutrition due to the difficulties they face accessing aid in Gaza, as reported,' a CNN spokesperson told the Free Press, after the publication informed the network that Hajjaj, a 6-year-old girl featured in a CNN story about starvation in Gaza, was not only starving but also had an 'esophagus condition.' Founded in 2021 by former New York Times writer Bari Weiss, the Free Press pitches itself as home for 'heterodox' thinking, but it has been a reliable platform for the anti-woke, anti-trans, and pro-Israel talking points of mainstream American conservatism. Weiss, who has dedicated her professional life to anti-Palestinian animus and unwavering support for Israel, is reportedly in talks with CBS's new parent company Skydance about buying the online outlet for $250 million. The Free Press is actively stoking genocide denial, but it's not the first media organ to take this odious tack of minimization. In late July, the New York Times cravenly appended a lengthy editor's note and update on a story featuring the image of emaciated 18-month-old Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq to include the fact that he had other health issues 'affecting his brain and his muscle development.' Even if Israel's siege were only leading to the death of Palestinians with preexisting health issues and disabilities, we would still have on our hands a case of intolerable, eugenic slaughter — as if Palestinian sick children's lives are worth less. Needless to say, Israel's project of genocide and ethnic cleansing takes aim at all Palestinians. The Free Press goes as far as to admit, 'It's not that there isn't hunger in Gaza. There is.' It's a gross understatement. As is well documented and widely recognized, Israel is deliberately starving the population of Gaza. This has been made clear in both intent — as expressed by Israeli government ministers — and effect, as evident in the mounting starvation-based death toll of a reported 266 people from malnutrition-related causes, likely a significant underestimate. Reports from health care workers and international humanitarian groups, the desperate direct pleas of thousands and thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, and the exorbitant prices of barely available basic ingredients all confirm the same. Israeli troops, and perhaps security contractors hired by an Israeli-backed aid group, have killed over 1,400 Palestinians attempting to get food at aid sites since May. Palestinians continue to try to access these death traps daily, simply because there is not enough food elsewhere — all by Israeli design. As the historian Adam Tooze pointed out in a recent newsletter, the purposeful starvation of Gaza by Israel is exceptional. There are 11 places in the world currently where more people are at serious risk of hunger than in Gaza, including Yemen and Sudan, but Tooze pointed out that Gaza is unique: 'Being the result of deliberate policy by a powerful state, commonly regarded as belonging to the exclusive club of 'advanced economies', the mass starvation in Gaza in the summer of 2025 is quite unlike that anywhere else in the world.' Tooze added that, while around half of the populations of Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, and Haiti are at risk of famine, 100 percent of Palestinians in Gaza are. In Gaza, he writes, the 'risk of famine is total.' Read our complete coverage If a person can, after nearly two years of genocidal onslaught, witness the scenes and testimonies from Gaza — of which the images of these malnourished children are just a tiny slice — and find the main problem is that not enough people know that some of the most vulnerable in Israel's genocide have preexisting health conditions, then we are are not speaking from a framework of shared humanity. I dare say there is nothing such a person could see of Palestinians suffering that would permit them to shift their worldview at this point, because the humanity of Palestinians has been a priori excluded from it. The fact that the Free Press story's authors and publishers do not see that their claim is the modern-day equivalent to suggesting that Frank primarily died of typhus makes all too clear that they do not see Palestinians as fully human. It is a supremacist, eugenicist lens that is beneath contempt, yes, but also beneath debate. 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Fox News
an hour ago
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What is an everything shower? Beauty experts reveal the most important steps
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For sensitive or eczema-prone skin, Melanie Abeyta, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner and Owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center, recommends choosing a fragrance-free product with soothing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, allantoin or niacinamide. "Cream-based cleansers or cleansing oils are better than scrubs for these skin types, which can be easily irritated," Abeyta said. "People with very dry skin benefit from richer oil-based washes while those with normal skin may only need a lighter hydrating wash." The final, crucial step happens post-shower: while your skin is still damp, apply a rich body oil or lotion to seal in all the moisture. People of all skin types should avoid formulas containing harsh or irritating ingredients that can worsen dryness rather than relieve it, according to Valerie Aparovich, a biochemist and certified cosmetologist-aesthetician at OnSkin. 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This blend improves the texture of bumpy skin and absorbs quickly, leaving behind a silky-soft feel and a healthy glow. For more deals, visit The Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is a fast-absorbing body cream formulated to tighten and smooth skin. Its formula features a blend of Brazilian-sourced ingredients like guarana extract for firmness, cupuacu butter for hydration, and acaí oil for antioxidants. What makes it iconic is the irresistible Cheirosa '62 scent, a warm fragrance with notes of pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla.
Vogue
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These Are the Best Radio Frequency Devices to Stimulate Collagen Production
At-home access to the best radio-frequency devices is one of the chicest new perks in beauty tech. Beauty aficionados often trace the trend back to CurrentBody's 2024 RF debut—before then, you'd have to sit yourself in a dermatologist's chair for a skin-snatching appointment. And while radio frequency may sound like sci-fi jargon, the reality is far more enticing. London-based medical and cosmetics doctor Leah Totton notes that radio frequency boosts collagen production without harming the epidermis (a.k.a the skin's outermost layer). 'Heat penetrates deep into the skin's layers, triggering the body's natural healing response. This stimulates new cell production, while bolstering collagen and elastin production,' Totton tells Vogue. 'Consistent treatment can help skin to become noticeably firmer and tighter. Plus, radio frequency devices can also improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.' Vogue's Favorite Skin Care Devices Another perk of these at-home beauty devices? Saying so-long to down time. In-clinic RF treatments usually result in some post-treatment redness and soreness, whereas the lower energy levels of at-home devices reveal results over time. That said, there still aren't very many RF devices on the market—though we chatted with experts and derms for the seven of the best picks. Scroll to discover to more. In This Story Best Overall: Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Device Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device $385 CURRENTBODY Why We Love It : The at-home RF tool that arguably ignited the craze? CurrentBody's device. Designed to mimic the anti-aging wonders of professional treatments, it gently warms the skin to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the gadget continuously self-adjusts to keep skin at the optimal in-clinic temperature for safe, effective results. According to Currentbody, 89% saw an improvement in skin tightness in eight weeks. 'It delivers a gentle heat as you glide it across your skin, and it never gets uncomfortably hot. The sensor maintains skin at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal temperature for collagen production, according to experts,' Vogue contributor Iman Balagam previously said.'I like to focus on my forehead, the 11s, crow's-feet, and around my laugh lines since I'm always hee-heeing in a corner somewhere.' : The at-home RF tool that arguably ignited the craze? CurrentBody's device. Designed to mimic the anti-aging wonders of professional treatments, it gently warms the skin to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the gadget continuously self-adjusts to keep skin at the optimal in-clinic temperature for safe, effective results. According to Currentbody, 89% saw an improvement in skin tightness in eight weeks. 'It delivers a gentle heat as you glide it across your skin, and it never gets uncomfortably hot. The sensor maintains skin at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal temperature for collagen production, according to experts,' Vogue contributor Iman Balagam previously said.'I like to focus on my forehead, the 11s, crow's-feet, and around my laugh lines since I'm always hee-heeing in a corner somewhere.' Target Treatment Area: Full face Full face Treatment Time: 5–70 minutes 5–70 minutes Treatment per week : Once : Once Specs: FDA-cleared FDA-cleared Best For: Collagen production, firming, improving skin texture Collagen production, firming, improving skin texture How to Use: Apply Currentbody's radio frequency gel to clean, dry skin then glide the device in circular motions across the face. You can do this for up to 70 minutes maxoimum, or, follow one of the device's five-minute regimens. Best for Daily Use: Medicube Age-R Ultra Tune 40.68 Why We Love It: Surely you've heard of Medicube's viral Age-R Booster Pro, beloved by everyone from beauty editors to Hailey Bieber. Another device from the brand that deserves more hype is the Ultra Tune. A favorite amonst K-beauty devotees, this sleek tool pairs high-frequency energy with microcurrent technology to help sculpt and smooth the complexion. What makes it especially compelling is its safety for daily use (and doesn't require a specific gel)—the calibrated frequencies are gentle enough to support skin elasticity without triggering irritation, meaning you can reach for it regularly to achieve cumulative, long-term results rather than reserving it only for occasional treatments. Surely you've heard of Medicube's viral Age-R Booster Pro, beloved by everyone from beauty editors to Hailey Bieber. Another device from the brand that deserves more hype is the Ultra Tune. A favorite amonst K-beauty devotees, this sleek tool pairs high-frequency energy with microcurrent technology to help sculpt and smooth the complexion. What makes it especially compelling is its safety for daily use (and doesn't require a specific gel)—the calibrated frequencies are gentle enough to support skin elasticity without triggering irritation, meaning you can reach for it regularly to achieve cumulative, long-term results rather than reserving it only for occasional treatments. Target Treatment Area: Full face Full face Treatment Time: 5–10 minutes 5–10 minutes Treatment per week : Gentle enough for daily usage : Gentle enough for daily usage Specs: 40.68 MHz RF waves, three intensity levels, compact handheld build 40.68 MHz RF waves, three intensity levels, compact handheld build How to Use: After applying using your favorite hydrating serum or gel, glide in circular motions across the cheeks, forehead, and jawline. Ensure all six tips of the device are touching your skin. If you feel a hot sensation, remove the device and lower your settings. Best for Beginners: Foreo FAQ 101 LED Therapy & Massage Device Why We Love It: Combining RF with red light tools, and a soothing massage, this pick from Foreo is a true multitasker. 'This is a great option for gentle at-home maintenance and can complement in-office treatments nicely,' says Rufolo. Plus, double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp adds that this pick is a great choice for beginners. 'Perfect for individuals who are new to at-home skincare technology. It offers a gentle but effective combination of RF and pulsed red LED therapy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone and hydration,' he adds. Combining RF with red light tools, and a soothing massage, this pick from Foreo is a true multitasker. 'This is a great option for gentle at-home maintenance and can complement in-office treatments nicely,' says Rufolo. Plus, double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp adds that this pick is a great choice for beginners. 'Perfect for individuals who are new to at-home skincare technology. It offers a gentle but effective combination of RF and pulsed red LED therapy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone and hydration,' he adds. Target Treatment Area: Full face and neck Full face and neck Treatment Time: 10 minutes 10 minutes Treatment per week : Three to five times per week : Three to five times per week Specs: red LED, multiple massage modes, USB rechargeable red LED, multiple massage modes, USB rechargeable Best For: those seeking daily skin revival in a compact form those seeking daily skin revival in a compact form How to Use: Glide over clean, dry skin for 3 minutes, focusing on areas prone to dullness or fatigue. Best Multipurpose: Silk'n Titan Multiplatform Why We Love It: Call it a triple threat, this tool blends radio frequency, LED, and IR heat for an all-in-one rejuvenating treatment. 'This is a well-designed RF device that penetrates deeper into the skin to encourage collagen and elastin production,' Rufolo, noting patients often notice firmer skin with consistent use. 'This is a great option for those looking for deeper skin tightening and collagen stimulation at home,' adds Dr. Camp. 'It combines the three effective technologies of bipolar RF, near infrared, and low-level laser therapy to target dermal layers for firmer and smoother skin.' Best of all, there's a small RF platform, and attachment for larger areas. Call it a triple threat, this tool blends radio frequency, LED, and IR heat for an all-in-one rejuvenating treatment. 'This is a well-designed RF device that penetrates deeper into the skin to encourage collagen and elastin production,' Rufolo, noting patients often notice firmer skin with consistent use. 'This is a great option for those looking for deeper skin tightening and collagen stimulation at home,' adds Dr. Camp. 'It combines the three effective technologies of bipolar RF, near infrared, and low-level laser therapy to target dermal layers for firmer and smoother skin.' Best of all, there's a small RF platform, and attachment for larger areas. Target Treatment Area: Face, neck, and decolletage Face, neck, and decolletage Treatment Time: 10-15 minutes per treatment area 10-15 minutes per treatment area Treatment per week : Twice weekly : Twice weekly Specs: tri-polar RF, red LED, IR heat, USB rechargeable tri-polar RF, red LED, IR heat, USB rechargeable Best For: multitaskers who want multiple technologies in one device multitaskers who want multiple technologies in one device How to Use: Use with the brand's conductive gel, gliding evenly across the skin for 10–15 minutes per session. Best Travel-Friendly: Skin Gym Glowlit RF Tool Skin Gym GlowLIT RF Tool $130 REVOLVE Why We Love It: For RF on the go, Skin Gym's pick is perfectly portable, with a travel-friendly design that doesn't skip on results—and yes, it's another multipurpose beauty tool. 'This is an extremely versatile tool that integrates radio frequency, LED light therapy, and sonic massage,' says Dr. Camp. 'This is a great supplement to a skincare regimen focused on prevention and maintenance. Plus, it suits a variety of concerns from acne and redness, to pigmentation and early signs of aging.' Best of all, it's one of the more affordable picks of the bunch. For RF on the go, Skin Gym's pick is perfectly portable, with a travel-friendly design that doesn't skip on results—and yes, it's another multipurpose beauty tool. 'This is an extremely versatile tool that integrates radio frequency, LED light therapy, and sonic massage,' says Dr. Camp. 'This is a great supplement to a skincare regimen focused on prevention and maintenance. Plus, it suits a variety of concerns from acne and redness, to pigmentation and early signs of aging.' Best of all, it's one of the more affordable picks of the bunch. Target Treatment Area: Face Face Treatment Time: 10 to 15 minutes 10 to 15 minutes Treatment per week : Two to three : Two to three Specs: RF technology, LED indicator lights, portable size RF technology, LED indicator lights, portable size Best For: skincare minimalists who still want high-tech results skincare minimalists who still want high-tech results How to Use: After applying a hydrating gel, glide upward along the jawline, cheeks, and forehead. Best for Contouring: Amiro R3 Turbo Facial Device Amiro R3 Turbo Facial Device $320 AMAZON Why We Love It: No need to juggle multiple beauty devices—Amiro's RF tool merges the benefits of RF and microcurrentin one sleek device. 'This tool combines RF with EMS, which can give both a tightening effect and visible contouring of the face. It's a solid choice for people looking to maintain definition between professional treatments,' says Rufolo. Dr. Camp adds that it's particularly effective for those with skin laxity, under-eye bags, or concerns around jawline definition. No need to juggle multiple beauty devices—Amiro's RF tool merges the benefits of RF and microcurrentin one sleek device. 'This tool combines RF with EMS, which can give both a tightening effect and visible contouring of the face. It's a solid choice for people looking to maintain definition between professional treatments,' says Rufolo. Dr. Camp adds that it's particularly effective for those with skin laxity, under-eye bags, or concerns around jawline definition. Target Treatment Area: Face Face Treatment Time: Up to five minutes Up to five minutes Treatment per week : Two to three : Two to three Specs: FDA Approved, RF technology, EMS microcurrents, adjustable intensity levels FDA Approved, RF technology, EMS microcurrents, adjustable intensity levels Best For: time-pressed users seeking quick, noticeable results time-pressed users seeking quick, noticeable results How to Use: Apply a conductive gel and massage over the skin for 5–10 minutes, focusing on areas of concern. Best with LED: Althaea Skin CARA Multi-Modal Tool Kit Althaea Skin CARA Multi-Modal Tool Kit $350 ALTHAEA SKIN Why We Love It: Sure, other RF devices may offer an LED mode—but none with as many options as this Althaea Skin pick. We're talking three LED light settings to target different skin concerns, microcurrent technology for toning, and a massage function to boost circulation and ease facial tension. Essentially, it's a professional-level facial condensed into just a few minutes of daily ritual, making it effortless to keep your complexion refreshed and sculpted from the comfort of your home. Plus, it works with any (generously applied) serum—so you aren't beholden to using a single specific conductive gel. Sure, other RF devices may offer an LED mode—but none with as many options as this Althaea Skin pick. We're talking three LED light settings to target different skin concerns, microcurrent technology for toning, and a massage function to boost circulation and ease facial tension. Essentially, it's a professional-level facial condensed into just a few minutes of daily ritual, making it effortless to keep your complexion refreshed and sculpted from the comfort of your home. Plus, it works with any (generously applied) serum—so you aren't beholden to using a single specific conductive gel. Target Treatment Area: Face, jawline, and neck Face, jawline, and neck Treatment Time: 10 minutes 10 minutes Treatment per week : Three to five : Three to five Specs: RF, LED light modes, massage functionality RF, LED light modes, massage functionality Best For: skincare maximalists who love professional results at home skincare maximalists who love professional results at home How to Use: Select the desired mode and glide gently across the face for 5–15 minutes, adjusting technique to the function. Everything You Need To Know How do radio frequency devices trigger collagen production? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'Radio frequency works by safely heating the deeper layers of your skin to stimulate collagen production. The heat has a tightening effect on existing collagen fibers and signals your body to start making new collagen and elastin over time,' says Rufolo. 'This helps your skin become firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking, with results that continue to improve for several months after the treatment.' Are RF devices worth investing in? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'As with most aesthetic treatments, not all radio frequency devices are created equal—some deliver much better results than others,' says Rufolo. Dr. Camp agrees, and while he notes these beauty tools absolutely can be effective, it's important to be realistic about results. Subtle skin tightening? Sure. Face lift contouring? No. 'Radio frequency devices are perfect for people seeking mild, non-surgical skin tightening, or improved skin texture—but you have to be willing to use them consistently,' he says. How often can you use an at-home RF device? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'Although the usage of an RF device typically varies by brand, they are generally used around two to three times per week in the first few months of usage, then lowered to one to two times for maintenance,' says Dr. Camp, noting that when it comes to these devices, more is not always best. 'It's important not to overdo RF usage as this may lead to skin irritation such as dryness or redness when the skin barrier is disrupted.' Dr. Totton agrees, adding that a rest period of a day or two in-between sessions is ideal. 'It's worth bearing in mind that in-clinic radio frequency treatments are performed by an experienced aesthetic therapist and temperature is usually moderated throughout use for patient safety,' says Dr. Totten, adding thats it's all the more important to closely follow your devices specific instruction manual to ensure maximum safety. What's the difference between in-clinic and at-home RF? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'In-clinic treatments that utilize radio frequency are an effective way to boost the production of collagen and elastin, offering a gentle alternative to more invasive options. They can reduce skin laxity on the face, neck and body, addressing sagging skin and fine,' says Dr. Totton, noting that while at-home devices work in the same way, they aren't as strong. 'Consequently, results from at-home devices will take longer and more consistent use to be achieved.' How long does it take to see results from at-home RF? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Remember, patience is key when experimenting with at-home radio-frequency devices. Dr. Totton reminds us that their effectiveness depends on consistent use over several weeks and months. 'All devices will vary in results depending on their energy levels, the specific skin concerns of the user, and also how effectively and consistently they are being used,' she says. 'However, in general users can expect to see and feel improvements to skin within a month, which should continue to improve as the months progress.' If you're the impatient type and want a clearer sense of when the results really kick in, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth previously told Vogue that collagen production can take 12 to 16 weeks—or even longer—with at-home devices. Meet the Experts AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who sees patients in New York and Long Island. Natia Rufolo, FNP, NP-C is a board-certified aesthetic injector, PDO thread specialist, and founder of INJX BY NAT Aesthetics. Dr. Nicole Ruth is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. Dr. Leah Totton, MBBS, MBCAM, is a London-based medical doctor and an award-winning cosmetic doctor with 11 years experience and a post-graduate diploma in dermatology. Totton is also the founder of Dr Leah Skin Clinics.
