On August 22, 1965, Bruce Reimer and his twin brother Brian Reimer were born in Canada.
Worried about Bruce’s future, his parents met John Money, a psychologist famous at the time as a pioneer in the field of sexual development and gender identity.
Money and other doctors who work with children born with abnormal genitalia say a penis cannot be replaced, but a fully functional vagina can be created through surgery.
Bruce/Brenda was given estrogen injections during her teenage years to promote breast development.
In his report, Money described the Bruce/Brenda transition as a success and stated that Bruce’s feminine behavior was in stark contrast to his brother’s masculinity.
In fact, contrary to Money’s report, while living as Brenda, Bruce did not identify as a girl.
In 1980, Bruce/Brenda’s parents told him the truth about his transition.
David’s life later did not go smoothly.
Psychologist John Money and David’s case have been the subject of many books and documentaries, becoming an icon in popular culture.
