About this book
"As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as A Girl" by John Colapinto recounts the true story of David Reimer, a boy who, after a botched circumcision, was raised as a girl named Brenda at the insistence of psychologists who believed gender identity was malleable. The book explores themes of gender identity, the complexities of nature versus nurture, and the profound impact of societal expectations on personal identity. Its significance lies in its challenge to conventional understandings of gender, revealing the struggles and traumatic consequences of a controversial psychiatric approach.
Censorship history
In 2025, "As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as A Girl" faced bans at the school level across several districts in the United States, primarily due to its LGBTQ+ content. Notably, the book was challenged during a school board meeting in a district in Texas, where parents voiced concerns about its appropriateness for students. The ban was upheld after a vote by the school board, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding discussions of gender identity in educational settings.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | LGBTQ+Other |