Bilbao, May 5 and 6, 2025. In a social context that is increasingly polarized regarding trans realities, especially during childhood and adolescence, the I Naizen International Congress on Trans Childhood and Adolescencehas marked a turning point. Organized by the Naizen association and co-organized by the Basque Government, the event was held at the Bizkaia Aretoa of the UPV/EHU with a clear and necessary objective: understand to be able to accompany. That phrase, which gave the conference its title, summarizes the underlying intention that went through each presentation, conversation and testimony shared during two intense days.
A necessary space for interdisciplinary dialogue
The congress was born in response to an emergency. Trans experiences at an early age are at the center of many public debates, not always well-informed or free of prejudice. For this reason, Naizen opted to build a safe and rigorous space where knowledge from multiple disciplines converged: psychology, sexology, sociology, psychiatry, endocrinology, education, social work, and, of course, the direct experiences of trans people and their families.
With a diverse program, the congress opened its doors with the words of Bea Sever and the institutional intervention of Lehendakari Imanol Pradales. It soon became clear that the approach would not be neutral in the classic sense, but deeply committed to the rights of trans children and adolescents. Because understanding is not observing from a distance, but actively engaging in the creation of contexts where everyone can develop freely and safely.
What do we know today about trans childhoods and adolescence?
One of the most anticipated tables was the one that addressed the current state of scientific knowledge about these realities. Moderated by Aitzole Araneta, it featured internationally recognized voices such as Jon Arcelus, Jiska Ristori and Annelou de Vries. Throughout the session, the concept of “evidence” was problematized and the places from which we construct knowledge were questioned. What does it mean to have sufficient evidence when we talk about intimate and subjective identities and processes? How to avoid reducing human lives to statistics?
The conclusion was not unanimous, but it was revealing: although there is consensus on many medical and psychological aspects – such as the benefits of early support – it is essential to continue researching from an ethical, critical perspective and with a rights perspective.
Diverse perspectives: a value and a challenge
Throughout the day, the presentations also gave space to reflections from transfeminism, philosophy and neuroscience. Josebe Iturrioz’s intervention on trans conceptualization from queer transfeminism proposed a political framework that not only seeks recognition, but also social transformation. For her part, Joserra Landa addressed the relationship between biological sex and the brain from a scientific but accessible perspective.
These contributions invited us to question the categories that we often take for granted. What do we understand by “gender identity”? How does it intersect with culture, language, family or biology? The responses were not closed, but the richness of views reaffirmed the complexity of the topic.
Health as a central axis
Health care for trans minors occupied an important part of the program. Moderated by Jon Arcelus, the health services panel addressed controversies surrounding the use of hormone blockers, different clinical practices in Europe, and the need for person-centered models.
Especially notable was Itxaso Rica’s presentation on the Cruces Gender Unit, a local experience that attempts to combine medical rigor with social sensitivity. They were followed by Joz Motmans (Belgium) and Rosa Almirall (Catalunya), who shared good practices and implementation difficulties. The dialogue between professionals from different contexts offered a useful and honest comparative vision, far from dogma.
Complex transits: opening space for doubt
One of the most intense moments of the day was, without a doubt, the table dedicated to changes of direction in transits. With contributions such as those of Pablo Expósito-Campos and Atilano Carcavilla, topics such as detransition, interruption of treatments or non-linear trajectories were openly discussed. Far from feeding discourses of alarm or misinformation, the table sought to understand these experiences without stigmatizing them.
The UK Cass report and its impact on affirmative models was also mentioned here. Rosa Almirall provided a critical perspective on how these types of documents can be used politically to stop advances in trans rights.
Is it possible to talk about detransitions without it being used as a weapon against those who do continue their transition? How to respect autonomy without falling into simplifications? Difficult questions, yes, but necessary.
Between the institutional and the experiential
Although the congress had a strong academic component, it did not forget the experiential. Family associations had their space to share testimonies, emotions, fears and certainties. The voices of activists and young trans people were also heard, whose stories gave substance to the concepts discussed in the previous tables.
In an atmosphere full of emotion, the day culminated with a dinner enlivened by the performance of the comedian and activist Elsa Ruiz, thus closing the day with a touch of lightness and community.
A single possible narrative?
Despite the congress’s comprehensive approach, some critical voices might question whether there is real room for dissent within these spaces. Are those who question certain affirmative approaches being listened to enough? To what extent do institutions commit to real changes, beyond discourse? It is also necessary to ensure that associations do not become trapped in an institutional logic that dilutes their activist roots and their ability to denounce.
Posing these questions does not imply delegitimizing the congress, but rather strengthening it. Because a truly inclusive space must also be able to contain tensions, without fear of contradiction.
A path that is just beginning
The First International Naizen Congress has been, without a doubt, a milestone. Not only because of the quality of its presentations or the level of its participants, but because of the underlying intention: to create bridges, open questions, and above all, put trans children and adolescents at the center.
Understanding is not having all the answers. Accompanying is not guiding, but walking alongside. The congress did not settle the debate, but it offered tools and perspectives to face it with respect, empathy and knowledge.
The future remains open. And it depends on all of us.
