Raised as a Girl: The Shocking True Story of David Reimer | 60 Minutes Australia

The Case of David Reimer

The report revisits the case of David Reimer, who was raised as a girl after a botched circumcision damaged his penis when he was eight months old. Psychologist Dr. John Money persuaded David’s parents to have him surgically altered and raised as a girl, under the name Brenda. Money presented the case as evidence that gender identity could be shaped through upbringing and treatment.

David told reporter Jeff McMullen that he never felt like a girl and struggled with the mismatch between his identity and the role imposed on him. At school, he was bullied and isolated. His parents later said they had trusted Money’s advice and had not understood the harm their child was experiencing.

Therapy and the Truth

Author John Colapinto described investigating the case. He said the twins’ therapy with Money included sexualized exercises that he considered bizarre and indefensible. David and his twin brother, Brian, confirmed that these experiences had been kept secret.

David eventually refused to return to Money, saying he might kill himself if forced to continue. When his parents told the twins the truth at age 14, David said he felt relief at learning he was biologically male.

Questions About Reassignment

The report also features psychiatrist Dr. Bill Reiner, who questioned the practice of assigning boys raised as girls. He cited his study of 24 children and young adults born with XY chromosomes and without a penis; 16 had shifted to a male identity between ages five and 14.

Reiner argued that sex reassignment could cause serious harm and that the practice needed to change. He acknowledged ethical errors in the Reimer case and praised David for speaking publicly.

David’s Later Life

David later underwent further operations, including breast removal and reconstructive surgery, to live as a man. He described the physical and psychological costs, while saying that his identity came from his mind, not his genitals. He was married to Jane and was a stepfather to her three children.

Retrospective

The report closes with the deaths of Brian, who died of a drug overdose, and David, who died by suicide at age 38. It presents David’s story as a warning about the consequences of forced reassignment and the medical claims used to justify it.

Presenters and Contributors

Jeff McMullen, David Reimer, Janet Reimer, Brian Reimer, Dr. John Money, John Colapinto, and Dr. Bill Reiner.