After being refused medical treatment for a body part she didn’t possess, a transgender woman alleged discrimination by a gynecologist.
The situation escalated as legal action was taken, leading to a divided public opinion.
Continue reading for more details.
Jessica Yaniv – now referred to as Jessica Simpson – is a Canadian transgender activist who ignited controversy in 2018 by filing numerous human rights complaints against beauticians who declined to groom her male anatomy.
Simpson sought a Brazilian wax, a procedure that removes all or part of the hair from a woman’s pubic area. When performed on male genitalia, it is known as a “brozilian” or “manzilian,” and estheticians receive specialized training for each.
At 37, Simpson still retains her male genitalia, but that did not prevent her from accusing five independent beauty professionals of refusing her a wax, seeking up to $15,000 in damages from each.
“None of these providers had any issue with anything until I mentioned I was transgender,” the resident of Langley, British Columbia, stated in court, as reported by the Telegraph.
Simpson vs. beauticians
In 2019, the transgender woman lost a significant discrimination case in the country and was ordered to pay $2,000 in damages to each of the three individuals who testified during the hearings.
The court also noted that she exhibited “animus toward certain racial, religious, and cultural groups.”
The individuals who provided testimony were home-based estheticians, minorities who operated from their residences, had limited English proficiency, and were compelled to close their businesses due to Simpson’s allegations.
These women offered Brazilian waxing services to their female clients but lacked the training or resources to manage male anatomy.
When a reporter from the Calgary Herald inquired if she felt remorse for the businesses that had to close because of her, she responded: “No, why should I feel bad? The one who was the victim here was me. In my view, all women should receive the same service.”
Simpson vs. fire department
In the following years, the ‘activist,’ referred to as a “prolific litigant” by a BC Supreme Court Justice, filed complaints against beauty pageants, the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), provincial health authorities, and a local news organization.
In February 2021, the Langley Fire Department issued a warning to Simpson, who allegedly made over 30 calls seeking assistance to get out of the bath.
The letter addressed to Simpson stated, “Since January 21, the Fire Department has received and responded to more than 30 such calls for help, none of which were classified as a medical emergency.”
“Additionally, we have been informed that during the Fire Department’s visits to your residence, you have exhibited inappropriate and lewd behavior towards our staff.
“Your actions have created an inappropriate and unsafe atmosphere for Fire Department personnel. This behavior is unacceptable to the Township and will not be tolerated in the future.”
In response, she tweeted, which has since been deleted, that she plans to “sue the township for libel and other matters,” according to the Western Standard.
Simpson vs. gynecologist
Despite facing numerous charges, including possession of a prohibited weapon, mischief, assault, and using sexualized language in communications with minors, Simpson – who has been accused of racism multiple times – seems to gain support amid public scrutiny.
Recently, she targeted a gynecologist’s office that reportedly told her, “we don’t serve transgender patients.”
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Simpson expressed that she was “shocked… and confused… and hurt.”
“Is that legal? Isn’t that against the college practices?” she tweeted, tagging the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), the regulatory body for medicine in the province.
According to the Daily Mail, she later informed her followers: “Gynecologists are part of the multidisciplinary team that works with transgender and non-binary patients, whether during the transition process, performing surgery, or managing pre- or post-transition gynecological issues.”
Although she later asserted that the CPSBC agreed she faced discrimination, there have been no further updates since she initiated this matter.
What people are saying
“Undergoing plastic surgery and using synthetic hormones doesn’t automatically transform a male into a female. It also doesn’t imply that all OBGYNs are equipped to treat a man who pretends to be a woman,” Kirralie Smith expressed to Binary, a group that “opposes harmful gender theories and the aggressive ideological agenda associated with them.”
Smith added, “[Simpson] should consult a transgender specialist, rather than a doctor focused on women’s health care.”
Ricky Gervais, renowned as one of the funniest and most provocative comedians globally, also weighed in on Simpson’s assertions: “It’s appalling that a qualified gynecologist can decline to examine a lady’s male genitalia for ovarian cancer. What if her testicles are expecting? She could risk losing the baby. I’m furious,” he tweeted.
Later, Gervais posted on X: “I had planned to dress up as something bizarre and creepy for my Halloween party, but this year I’m breaking the mold and going as courageous female activist Jessica Yaniv. This also means I can skip waxing my large hairy testicles.”
Trans healthcare
Healthcare professionals are increasingly voicing their concerns about the significant distinctions between natal female anatomy and the structurally different neo-vaginas – those created through gender-affirming surgery – particularly regarding routine healthcare.
Experts emphasize that it’s crucial for anyone with a cervix, vagina, uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes to receive regular gynecologic care, irrespective of their gender.
This indicates that individuals assigned male at birth do not require the same medical attention as biological women or trans men.
Furthermore, a trans woman will only require gynecological care for her new vulva and vagina after undergoing “reconstructive genital surgery,” as detailed in an article titled The Importance of Transgender Gynecology.
At that time, Simpson possessed all her male anatomical features.
This matter is not about discrimination; it revolves around clinical safety and expertise.
We would love to hear your opinion on whether the world should prioritize identity over anatomy. Please share your thoughts with us, and don’t forget to spread this story to ignite the conversation!
