Glenna Goldis, a public-interest lawyer in New York, has come forward claiming that she was fired by Attorney General Letitia James after raising concerns about puberty blockers and sex-change procedures for children.
Her dismissal from the consumer frauds bureau on January 22 has sparked debate about free speech, workplace culture, and policies around pediatric gender medicine (PGM).
Speaking Out and Facing Consequences
Goldis, who identifies as a lesbian, said she repeatedly shared her views through blogs, essays, and public appearances, questioning the safety and ethics of PGM for minors.
According to Goldis, her supervisors warned her that continuing to express these opinions, which conflicted with James’s pro-PGM stance, could cost her job.
“The agency attorneys couldn’t clearly explain why my work or public commentary was considered problematic,” Goldis told reporters.
She said a line in one of her blog posts referencing a legal case banning PGM—US v. Skrmetti—was cited as justification for her termination, even though she maintains it was not discriminatory.
Context: The Debate Over Pediatric Gender Medicine
Attorney General James has been part of a coalition of 13 state attorneys general defending access to gender-affirming care for children.
This position directly opposed a January 28, 2025, executive order from the Trump administration restricting government support for gender transition procedures for minors.
James and her coalition called the executive order “wrong,” describing these surgeries and treatments as “lifesaving.”
Goldis said she believes the official statements misrepresent the risks involved.
She pointed to accounts from detransitioned individuals, including a lesbian woman who experienced severe side effects such as vaginal atrophy from testosterone and nerve damage from surgery.
Concerns About LGBTQ Youth Safety
Goldis argued that PGM disproportionately targets children who do not conform to traditional gender norms, many of whom are likely to identify as gay in adulthood.
She said the treatments can result in serious physical side effects, including sexual dysfunction, chronic genital pain, and incontinence, and that she found little interest in these concerns among NYAG officials.
“If the Attorney General truly cared about LGBTQ youth, she would look into what’s known about the risks and benefits of these treatments,” Goldis said.
Workplace Tensions and Alleged Hostility
Goldis described a tense environment in the office, with some colleagues labeling girls who oppose biological males in women’s sports as “anti-trans.”
She said that when she attempted to engage a coworker on the subject and provide factual examples, she was threatened with human resources involvement.
“Despite my concerns, I was treated as a persistent critic rather than a colleague raising legitimate questions,” she said.
Standing By Her Principles
Goldis maintains that she never engaged in disruptive behavior and disputes the official reasoning for her firing.
She expressed pride in her work at the consumer fraud bureau and insisted she is only beginning her advocacy.
“I haven’t disrupted the Democratic elite’s commitment to PGM providers, but I’m just getting started,” she wrote in a statement.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Attorney General Letitia James’ office for comment, but no official response has been reported.
What Comes Next
Goldis’ case raises questions about workplace speech, the safety of pediatric gender medicine, and how dissenting opinions are treated in highly politicized government offices.
Whether this story will spur further debate or lead to policy reviews remains to be seen.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn