Gender: A Wider Lens (private feed for anne.ma.johnstone@gmail.com)

203 - Gender Clinicians Should Take the Family's Input Into Account, with Marieke den Ouden

Sasha and Stella welcome Dr. Marieke den Ouden, a medical biologist and psychologist, about pediatric gender medicine in the Netherlands. While the Dutch Protocol is believed to ensure thorough mental health evaluations, Marieke reveals inconsistencies in its application. She discusses a new survey gathering input from extended family on a child’s mental health and gender identity, raising questions about bias in reporting. The conversation also explores the clinical foundations of gender medicine, examining how early researchers with backgrounds in disorders of sexual development (DSDs) shaped the field. Their search for a biological basis of gender identity—whether in hormones, chromosomes, or brain structures—led to a medicalized approach to gender distress. This framing has contributed to the widespread push for medical interventions, fast-tracking youth into irreversible treatments despite a lack of clear biological justification.This episode presents fresh debates and critical insights into the ethical dilemmas surrounding pediatric gender transition and the protocols involved.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at  https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-203 Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/   Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/   Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show   Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod  For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching   Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching  To learn more about our sponsors, visit:Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/  Genspect at https://genspect.org/  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe   This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

Premium: How "Trans" Has Changed Over the Years

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comAs societal perceptions of gender identity continue to evolve, the conversation around gender dysphoria has grown increasingly complex and polarized, particularly in recent years. This has sparked critical questions about the underlying causes of gender identity confusion, the role of medical interventions, and the broader cultural implications. Exploring these topics requires a careful balance of scientific inquiry, ethical considerations, and an openness to the diverse experiences of those affected.As public discourse has become more contentious, the space for nuanced discussions about the complexities of transgender identities has narrowed. This polarization often reduces the conversation to simplistic binaries of affirmation versus denial, leaving little room to explore the diverse experiences and motivations that shape individuals’ journeys.The concept of being "trans" has undergone a significant transformation. Today, the term encompasses a wider array of experiences than those represented in the “T” category of the LGBT culture of yesteryear. Nonbinary identities, the rainbow alphabet, and the many expressions of gender that do not involve dysphoria are being amplified by the influence of the algorithm, potentially influencing individuals to adopt identities that may not reflect deeper, intrinsic realities.The increase in minors identifying as transgender has brought these dynamics into sharper focus. A significant rise in the number of young people, particularly adolescent girls, identifying as trans has prompted questions about the underlying causes. Trauma, social pressures, and identity exploration have all been suggested as factors contributing to the “trans” trend. And while the broadened definition of “trans” has fostered a growing societal acceptance of diverse gender expressions, some argue that this fluidity has diluted the term itself, making it harder to discern the underlying motivations or needs of those who identify as transgender.In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Jessi critiques the political and social trends influencing youth, particularly the notion that being transgender is seen as "cool" or "edgy." She emphasizes the irreversible consequences of transitioning, particularly for those under 25, whom she believes lack the maturity to make such significant decisions. She also highlights how societal stereotypes about gender roles impact both men and women. She points out that rigid expectations, such as "big boys don't cry," contribute to gender identity struggles and may lead some young men to identify as transgender as a way to escape these pressures.Watch our full length episode with Jessi: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-202For instructions on setting up a private feed to listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app, visit https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/how-to-listen-to-our-full-premium.

202 - Detransitioned After Three Decades as a Trans Man, with Jessi

Sasha and Stella welcome Jessi, a 69-year-old detransitioned butch lesbian, who shares her extraordinary life story. Jessi’s journey challenges misconceptions about detransitioners, confronting the common assumption that they are predominantly young people who transitioned in adolescence. Instead, her experiences shine a light on older individuals who made these life-altering decisions in vastly different cultural and social contexts. Her life as a gay rights advocate, shaped by threats and hardships, reveals the complexities behind her decision to transition during a time when living openly as a gender non-conforming lesbian carried significant risks.This episode offers a compelling exploration of the varied paths of detransitioners, and provides a thoughtful reflection on the broader social and psychological complexities of navigating life outside traditional gender norms.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-202.Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/   Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/   Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show   Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod  For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching   Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching  To learn more about our sponsors, visit:Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/  Genspect at https://genspect.org/  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe   This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

"Mercilessly Attacked" for Not Wanting to Transition Children, with Rep. Shawn Thierry

In this episode, former Democratic State Representative Shawn Thierry reflects on her role in advocating for Texas Senate Bill 14 (TX SB14), which raised the minimum age for gender transition procedures to 18. Despite sharing concerns about the medicalization of minors with her fellow Democratic colleagues, Shawn was warned that her seat would be at stake for going on the record with her position and voting in favor of the bill. Her steadfast commitment to integrity led her to take a stand, even though it ultimately cost her re-election. Shawn discusses the two-year research process that shaped her decision, the personal risks she faced, and the pressures she encountered from within her own party. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of principled leadership, unwavering dedication to doing what is right, and standing firm in the face of political and social pressures.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-201 Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/   Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/   Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show   Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod  For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching   Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching  To learn more about our sponsors, visit:Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/  Genspect at https://genspect.org/  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe   This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

Premium: Saving the Relationship Without Losing Yourself

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comThe emotional and mental toll of navigating a child’s struggles with gender dysphoria can be profound. Parents often confront feelings of helplessness, confusion, and even grief as they face the rapid progression of medical interventions or societal pressures that seem at odds with their instincts or values. This journey is undeniably challenging, but it’s crucial for parents to prioritize their own emotional well-being in order to provide the steady, loving support their children need.Self-care is not a selfish act; it is a necessary foundation for maintaining the strength and clarity required to guide and advocate for a child in such a complex, personal struggle. Amid overwhelming challenges, it’s easy to feel isolated. However, it’s important to remember that no parent is alone. Building a network of like-minded individuals, seeking professional support, and tapping into community resources offers not only practical advice but also emotional sustenance, providing the reassurance and solidarity needed to persevere. In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Lydia emphasizes the need for a balance of compassion and boundaries, encouraging parents to listen attentively to their child's experiences and feelings while maintaining a clear sense of their role as guides and advocates. She highlights the importance of hope and connection and underscores the value of fostering open communication within the family.Watch our full length episode with Lydia: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-200For instructions on setting up a private feed to listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app, visit https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/how-to-listen-to-our-full-premium.