After being refused medical assistance for a body part she does not possess, a transgender woman alleged discrimination by a gynecologist.
The situation escalated as legal proceedings commenced, leading to a divided public opinion.
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 perform manicures on her male anatomy.
Simpson sought a Brazilian wax, a procedure that removes all or part of the hair from a woman’s pubic area. The equivalent procedure for a penis or scrotum is known as a “brozilian” or “manzilian,” and estheticians receive specialized training for each.
At 37 years old, Simpson still possesses male genitalia, yet this did not prevent her from accusing five independent beauty professionals of refusing to provide her with a wax, seeking damages of up to $15,000 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 versus 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 respondents 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, belonging to minority groups, who operated from their residences, had limited proficiency in English, and were compelled to close their businesses following the accusations made by Simpson.
These women offered Brazilian waxing services to their female clientele but lacked the training and resources necessary to manage male anatomy.
When a journalist from the Calgary Herald inquired whether she felt remorse for the closure of these businesses due to her actions, she responded: “No, why should I feel bad? The one who was the victim here was me. In my view, all women should have access to the same service.”
Simpson versus the fire department.
In the ensuing years, the so-called ‘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.
Then, in February 2021, the Langley Fire Department issued a warning to Simpson, who allegedly made over 30 calls seeking assistance to exit the bath.
10/3 podcast: Trans activist Jessica Yaniv and the human rights fight over waxing services https://t.co/HESNfuofnI pic.twitter.com/KOmE5fn6Wa
— National Post (@nationalpost) August 12, 2019
“Since January 21, the Fire Department has received and responded to more than 30 such requests for help, none of which were classified as medical emergencies,” the correspondence to Simpson detailed.
“Moreover, we have been informed that during the Fire Department’s visits to your residence, you have exhibited inappropriate and lewd behavior towards Fire Department personnel.
“Your actions have resulted in, among other issues, an inappropriate and unsafe atmosphere for Fire Department staff. This behavior is unacceptable to the Township and will not be tolerated in the future.”
In response, she issued a now-deleted tweet, stating, according to the Western Standard, that she intends to “sue the township for libel and other matters.”
Simpson versus the gynecologist.
Despite facing numerous charges, including possession of a prohibited weapon, mischief, assault, and the use of sexualized language in communications with minors, Simpson – who has been accused of racism on multiple occasions – seems to be supported by public scrutiny.
Recently, she chose to pursue a gynecologist’s office that reportedly stated, “we don’t serve transgender patients.”
In a now-deleted post on Instagram, Simpson expressed that she felt “shocked.. and confused… and hurt.”
“Are they permitted to do that, legally? Isn’t that contrary to the college practices?” she tweeted, tagging the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), the organization responsible for regulating medicine in the province.
According to the Daily Mail, she subsequently informed her followers: “Gynecologists are part of the multidisciplinary team that interacts with transgender and non-binary patients, whether during the transition phase performing surgery or addressing pre- or post-transition gynecological issues.”
Although she later asserted that the CPSBC concurred she faced discrimination, there have been no updates since she filed the complaint in 2019.
Public reactions.
“Undergoing plastic surgery and taking synthetic hormones does not magically transform a male into a female. Nor does it imply that all OBGYNs are qualified to treat a man who pretends to be a woman,” Kirralie Smith remarked to Binary, a group that “opposes harmful gender theory and the aggressive ideological agenda associated with it.”
Smith added, “[Simpson] should consult a transgender specialist, rather than a physician who focuses on women’s health care.”
Ricky Gervais, one of the most humorous and controversial comedians globally, also weighed in on Simpson’s assertions: “It’s appalling that a qualified gynecologist can refuse to examine a lady’s male genitalia for ovarian cancer. What if her testicles are pregnant? She could lose the baby. I’m outraged,” he tweeted.
Gervais later posted on X: “I intended to dress up as something bizarre and creepy for my Halloween party, but this year I’m defying the trend and going as brave female activist Jessica Yaniv. This also means I won’t have to wax my large, hairy testicles.
Transgender healthcare.
Healthcare professionals are increasingly addressing the significant distinctions between natal female anatomy and the structurally different neo-vaginas – those created through gender-affirming surgery – particularly concerning routine medical care.
Experts emphasize that “Anyone with a cervix, vagina, uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes requires regular gynecologic care, irrespective of gender.”
I was going to dress up as something weird and creepy for my Halloween party, but I’m bucking the trend this year and I’m going as brave female activist Jessica Yaniv. This also means I don’t have to wax my big old hairy balls. pic.twitter.com/ldAvI0b2ot
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) October 30, 2019
This indicates that individuals assigned male at birth do not require the same medical attention as biological women – or trans men.
Furthermore, only after a trans woman has undergone “reconstructive genital surgery” will she “require gynecological care for her new vulva and vagina,” 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 pertains to clinical safety and professional competence.
We invite you to share your opinion on whether the world should prioritize identity over anatomy. Please express your views with us and disseminate this story to others to initiate the conversation!