Dr. John Money, a psychologist at Johns Hopkins University, developed an influential yet controversial theory concerning gender identity during the mid-20th century. His work centered on the profound question of whether an individual’s sense of gender is primarily shaped by biological factors, often referred to as “nature,” or by environmental upbringing and social conditioning, known as “nurture.” This debate gained significant attention through a particular case, known as the “John/Joan” case. This experiment became a widely discussed and cautionary tale in psychology, highlighting the complex interplay between biology and environment in shaping human identity.
The Genesis of the John/Joan Case
The genesis of this controversial experiment began with twin boys, Bruce and Brian Reimer, born in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1965. A tragic medical incident occurred when Bruce was approximately eight months old: a routine circumcision procedure went awry, resulting in the irreparable destruction of his penis. Seeking solutions, the Reimer family was introduced to Dr. John Money, who advocated for his theory of “gender neutrality.” This theory proposed that a child’s gender identity was largely malleable and could be successfully assigned and nurtured, regardless of their biological sex, if intervention occurred early in life.
Convinced by his hypothesis, Dr. Money recommended a radical course of action to the distraught Reimer family. He advised them to undergo a sex reassignment for Bruce, including surgical alteration to construct female genitalia and hormonal therapy. The family, desperate for a path forward, followed his counsel, and Bruce was subsequently raised as a girl, given the name Brenda. This decision marked the beginning of a long-term psychological experiment aimed at proving Money’s theory that nurture could override nature in the formation of gender identity.
The Experiment in Practice
As Brenda grew, the reality of the gender reassignment contrasted sharply with Dr. Money’s theoretical expectations. Even from a young age, Brenda exhibited behaviors typically associated with boys, such as a strong preference for traditionally masculine toys like trucks and tools, while rejecting dolls and other items often marketed to girls. Her discomfort with feminine clothing was also evident, as she preferred wearing pants and struggled with dresses. Socially, Brenda found it difficult to integrate with female peers and often sought the company of boys, displaying more aggressive play patterns.
Despite these clear indicators that the reassignment was not succeeding, Dr. Money continued to present the case as a triumph in his published reports and lectures. He manipulated and selectively reported data, portraying Brenda as a well-adjusted girl who had successfully adapted to her assigned gender. This false narrative served to bolster his “gender neutrality” theory. Both Brenda and her brother Brian were subjected to distressing and coercive “therapy” sessions at Johns Hopkins, which included intrusive examinations and uncomfortable discussions about their sexuality. These sessions left the twins feeling confused and violated, further contributing to Brenda’s internal conflict and distress.
The Aftermath and Tragic Consequences
The facade maintained by Dr. Money eventually crumbled when Brenda was around 14 years old. Her father, recognizing her deep unhappiness and ongoing struggles with her assigned gender, finally disclosed the truth about her birth sex and the botched circumcision. This revelation, though shocking, provided a profound sense of clarity for Brenda, who immediately chose to reject her female identity. She began living as a male, adopting the name David, and underwent surgeries to reverse the gender reassignment, including a mastectomy and phalloplasty.
David’s life after the truth emerged was marked by profound psychological challenges and trauma stemming from his childhood. He grappled with severe depression, anxiety, and a deep sense of betrayal and confusion about his identity. The pervasive psychological damage from the experiment, including the forced gender reassignment and the deceptive “therapy” he endured, continued to haunt him. In 2004, at the age of 38, David Reimer tragically died by suicide, unable to overcome the cumulative weight of his past. His twin brother, Brian, who had also experienced significant psychological distress and suffered from schizophrenia, had died by suicide two years prior, in 2002. Their deaths underscored the devastating long-term psychological damage inflicted by the experiment on both brothers.
Scientific and Ethical Legacy
The tragic outcome of the John/Joan case profoundly impacted scientific understanding of gender identity and research ethics. The experiment’s undeniable failure provided compelling evidence against Dr. Money’s theory of gender neutrality. It demonstrated that gender identity is not solely a product of upbringing or social conditioning but appears to have a strong innate, biological basis, a perspective now widely accepted in the scientific community. The case became a powerful counter-narrative to the idea that gender is entirely malleable.
Beyond its scientific implications, the Reimer case stands as a stark reminder of profound ethical violations in medical research. The deception, the complete lack of informed consent from the child, the manipulation of data, and the immense psychological harm inflicted upon David and his brother represent severe breaches of ethical conduct. This case has since served as a critical lesson in research ethics, influencing the development of stricter guidelines for patient consent, child protection in research, and the responsible conduct of scientific inquiry. Its legacy continues to shape discussions on medical interventions involving gender and the paramount importance of prioritizing patient well-being above theoretical pursuits.