The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
AD
The Epoch Times
Support Us
US Features
Featured

Transgender Surgery Equates to ‘Living a Lie,’ Judge Is Told

Detransitioners testify in landmark Arkansas trial about their harrowing medical procedures

Transgender Surgery Equates to ‘Living a Lie,’ Judge Is Told
Demonstrators reach out to Los Angelenos about complications associated with gender reassignment surgeries in downtown Los Angeles on March 12, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Janice Hisle
Janice Hisle
Reporter
12/1/2022|Updated: 12/2/2022
0:00

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Laura Smalts, a 40-year-old newlywed with long, wavy brunette hair, beams when she talks about her husband of seven months.

But Smalts’ brow furrows and she looks down when recounting the years she spent as “Jake,” her transgender alter ego. Jake sported a beard after testosterone injections and a masculine-looking chest after a double mastectomy.

Janice Hisle
Janice Hisle
Reporter
Janice Hisle mainly writes in-depth reports based on U.S. political news and cultural trends, following a two-year stint covering President Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign. Before joining The Epoch Times in 2022, she worked more than two decades as a reporter for newspapers in Ohio and authored several books. She is a graduate of Kent State University's journalism program. You can reach Janice at: [email protected]
twitter
truth
Author’s Selected Articles

Judge Makes Privacy-Rights Ruling in Grieving Parents’ Case Against Snapchat

Aug 26, 2025
Judge Makes Privacy-Rights Ruling in Grieving Parents’ Case Against Snapchat

Some Youth Gender Treatments Persist Despite Trump Order, State Bans

Aug 25, 2025
Some Youth Gender Treatments Persist Despite Trump Order, State Bans

Clinics Are Ending Gender Treatments for Kids in Wake of Trump’s Policies

Aug 11, 2025
Clinics Are Ending Gender Treatments for Kids in Wake of Trump’s Policies

Why Parents Are Suing Snapchat Over Fentanyl Deaths

Jul 30, 2025
Why Parents Are Suing Snapchat Over Fentanyl Deaths
Related Topics
Arkansas
SAFE Act
transgender
Add to My List
Save
The Epoch Times
To ensure we reach the high standards of reliability and neutrality that you expect from us, we are engaging with Ad Fontes Media to analyze our content. If you find an article you think falls short of the standard, please submit the link through this form.
Copyright © 2000 - 2025 The Epoch Times Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.