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Gays Against Groomers Kansas chapter member uncovers secret code used for minors seeking gender transition services without parental consent

On Monday, July 10, a contact of one of the Kansas chapter members for Gays Against Groomers (GAG) went undercover in a TikTok live to test popular gender clinics on whether they were providing minors with disruptive hormones or surgeries. They called Planned Parenthood in New York City, pretending to be a 14-year-old girl named “Kelly Johnson.” ‘Johnson’ was calling about seeking help to transition without parental consent.

The official GAG Twitter account posted on Monday, July 17, a ten minute audio clip of ‘Johnson’s’ conversations.

In the audio clip, a woman by the name of Marinella answers the phone for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. ‘Johnson’ proceeds to tell Marinella that she recently came out as trans and her parents are not supportive. She tells Marinella she’s only 14 years old, to which Marinella responds, “Okay, let me see if we do services for underage.”

‘Johnson’ gets put on hold before Marinella informs her that they are “only doing services if you’re over 18.”

Nevertheless, ‘Johnson’ proceeds to ask if there is any other place they could go to receive “help.” Marinella then provides “Johnson” with a number to Community Healthcare Network (CHN) of Harlem HBA. Planned Parenthood had turned “Johnson” down, but told her to come back when she’s 18 if she “needs assistance.”

When ‘Johnson’ called CHN, a man by the name of Brian answered the phone. ‘Johnson’ told Brian that she called Planned Parenthood seeking help as a 14-year-old transgender person whose parents “freaked out and yelled” at her after she came out to them.

“So I’m just seeking any help I could get,” ‘Johnson’ told Brian.

“If you’re looking for a primary care provider and then looking for treatment, like hormonal therapy, we can do that,” Brian told ‘Johnson.’ “Mental health services. We also offer that.”

Brian also asked if she was looking for “termination” as she had called Planned Parenthood. ‘Johnson’ explained a “friend” told her Planned Parenthood could “help” her in her situation, but that they had referred her to them because she was “too young.”

“If you’re looking for hormonal treatment, we can help with that,” Brian replied.

‘Johnson’ asked how to go about scheduling an appointment without her parents finding out to which Brian explained she would be put on a “Code Cindy.” He went onto explain what this meant.

“We reach out to the patient, and only to the patient. Whatever number you provide for your chart is the number we will reach. I can also put in your chart ‘no mail,’ so you will not be mailed at all. That way, if it’s your home address where your parents reside as well, you won’t get any mail.”

‘Johnson’ told him “that would be best,” and asked, “You’re sure my mom won’t find out?”

“Yeah,” Brian said. “Code Cindy is when we have to put labels on your chart. So, as soon as I make this chart, it’s going to be contact by phone only, and then it’s just going to be the number you give me. I’m going to put no mail for your address and then that’s it. If anyone ever calls for you, we can’t disclose any information if it’s not you.”

‘Johnson’ then reminds Brian that she’s underage.

“Yeah, understood,” Brian said. “But we help underage patients receive care that they need and want as long as it’s not harmful to oneself, we try to help you out the best we can.”

‘Johnson’ tells Brian she’s nervous and if she can call back later. Brian tells her he can make an appointment for her as soon as August 31 with Dr. Carmichael.

Screenshot from chnnyc.org of Connor Carmichael, MD.

“This appointment would be Thursday at 9:40,” Brian tells ‘Johnson.’

‘Johnson’ tells Brian she’s scared, but Brian ignores this comment, instead asking, “What is your last name?” Brian asks ‘Johnson’ a few other questions including her name from birth, her preferred name, and confirming that she identifies as a “trans male.” He goes onto ask for her phone number where she mixes up two numbers, and when he points it out, she again explains she’s nervous.

After receiving her contact information, Brian asks if she has health insurance before backtracking.

“No. Never mind. I don’t even want your insurance right now since we’re doing Code Cindy,” Brian said.

Brian then tells ‘Johnson’ he’s going to put tags on her chart, and begins to explain what this means.

“The way the tags work is that anytime someone calls in regards to your name or your date of birth, they have to confirm it’s you,” Brian said. “The only way, since you’re Code Cindy, the only way that they can confirm it’s you, usually we need three pieces of information to confirm it’s you. It would be your name, date of birth, and an email. Then the tags, let’s say your mom called and she somehow knew your name, date of birth, and your email. The tags are going to ask them to identify themselves, and then if they come up as either mom or dad, then the representative will have to decline the call. But since you’re not getting any mail to your address, there should be no reason for them to ever know that you’re getting services from us.”

The video ends with words on the screen reading, “THIS IS HAPPENING ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY.”

GAG Kansas shared GAG’s tweet, adding their own message.

The Kansas Constitutional reached out to ‘Johnson’ who provided the following screenshots, one of which confirms the appointment of August 31st at 9:40AM to receive HRT without parental support.

Screenshot provided by GAG Kansas chapter member.
Screenshot provided by GAG Kansas chapter member.

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Ian Brannan

Ian Brannan is an independent journalist who founded The Kansas Constitutional in April 2022. His work focuses on issues including abortion, Convention of States, drug policy, education, government, LGBT issues, media, and more. He is also the co-host of the Rainbow Rabble-Rousers podcast.

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