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

Premium: Why Are Therapists Transing Away the Gay?

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comThe relationship between homophobia and gender medicine is deeply intertwined, with historical and contemporary practices shedding light on troubling patterns. Historically, gender-nonconforming individuals were often pathologized and subjected to medical interventions under the guise of correcting deviance. Today, these practices persist, albeit under new narratives that often frame gender nonconformity as a medical issue requiring intervention, such as transitioning.Emerging trends reveal the influence of social contagion, with cultural narratives and social media amplifying gender identity struggles among vulnerable populations, particularly youth. This surge raises critical questions about the lack of scientific rigor in therapeutic practices, the ethics of irreversible medical procedures, and the neglect of alternative psychological or social supports. These patterns reflect a broader societal discomfort with nonconformity and a tendency to medicalize identities rather than embrace diversity.In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Glenna Goldis argues that modern gender medicine perpetuates homophobia by medicalizing gender nonconformity, effectively pathologizing same-sex attraction in a way that parallels past efforts to suppress homosexuality. She references the 2015 APA guidelines, which shifted the framework for addressing gender dysphoria, emphasizing affirmation and, often, medical intervention, suggesting that these guidelines reframe homosexuality as something to be corrected if it appears intertwined with gender nonconformity. She advocates for a more critical examination of these practices, urging evidence-based approaches that prioritize genuine understanding and acceptance over medicalization.To deepen your understanding of Glenna's perspective, we encourage you to explore her Substack, particularly the two pieces linked below (referenced during the conversation). Both provide valuable insight into her critique of current gender medicine practices and their broader social implications.Why Therapists Trans Away the GayThe Assessment ShamWatch our full length episode with Glenna Goldis: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-196For 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.

196 - Are Puberty Blockers the Next Consumer Fraud Scandal? with Glenna Goldis

Sasha & Stella welcome seasoned attorney Glenna Goldis to the show, offering invaluable perspectives into the legal developments in gender medicine.With extensive knowledge of gender medicine and consumer fraud, Glenna provides a comprehensive analysis of pivotal legal cases and controversies in the U.S., breaking down complex legal language into accessible insights. She brings her expertise and unique perspective on the evolution of gender medicine. She also examines consumer fraud allegations against the American Academy of Pediatrics, using her legal expertise to shed light on the broader societal and legal implications of these claims. Glenna further explores the policy proposals and political impact surrounding pediatric gender medicine, particularly focusing on statements from political leaders, including president-elect Donald Trump, and the potential effects of such policies on real-world practices and legislation.This is a fascinating conversation, outfitting listeners with essential clarity on the legal and societal dimensions of gender-affirming care, offering both a historical overview and practical takeaways for understanding this evolving landscape.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-196 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

195 - The Autogynephilia Controversy with Phil Illy

Stella and Sasha welcome author and podcaster, Phil Illy, to the show for a thought-provoking conversation on sexuality, identity, and self-understanding. They engage with Phil’s concept of auto-heterosexuality, explore his interpretation of "erotic target identity inversion," and examine how these theories relate to broader discussions around sexuality and identity. As the discussion evolves, Stella and Sasha offer their critiques and challenge Phil's framework, pushing for a deeper understanding of these complex concepts.Phil Illy is the author of Autoheterosexual: Attracted to Being the Other Sex, a provocative exploration of sexuality, identity, and gender. In his book, Phil introduces the concept of auto-heterosexuality, describing an attraction to oneself as the opposite sex, and expands upon theories such as "erotic target identity inversion," originally coined by Dr. Ray Blanchard. With a focus on unconventional sexual interests and their psychological underpinnings, Phil's work challenges conventional frameworks and evokes critical examination into the complexities of desire, identity, and human behavior. In addition to his book, Phil is also the host of the Autohetero Files podcast, where he platforms personal stories and discussions that resonate with the ideas and concepts explored in his work.In this episode, listeners can expect to hear a dynamic and often intense conversation, with Stella and Sasha asking difficult questions and exploring the psychological and relational implications of the ideas Phil presents. They dig into both the intellectual and emotional dimensions of the topics at hand. Whether you agree or disagree with the perspectives shared, this episode will leave you with plenty to consider, exploring the deeper questions surrounding identity, desire, and the psychological aspects of sexual behavior.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-195 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: Never Outlaw Homeschooling!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comThe relationship between education systems, families, and communities must be one of cooperation and respect, resisting ideological control and ensuring that diverse perspectives are welcomed. In this framework, the role of government is to support, protect, and enable individuals to pursue their own paths, while maintaining the necessary checks and balances to safeguard the rights of all citizens. This ideal society fosters transparency in governance, allowing citizens to understand and influence the decisions that affect their lives. A well-balanced society encourages intergenerational dialogue, where the wisdom of previous generations informs the decisions of the present and future, and where collective well-being is nurtured through collaboration, not coercion. It is built on the foundation of individual freedom, strong family structures, and a government that serves, not controls, its people—ensuring that authority is decentralized.In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Eldur Smári Kristinsson emphasizes the growing urgency for individuals with differing perspectives to engage in political discourse, drawing attention to international trends in the U.K. and the U.S. He believes that timely political engagement can catalyze a societal shift, empowering citizens to challenge prevailing ideologies and reclaim their freedoms. Eldur warns, “We are being institutionalized from the day we’re born till the day we die,” stressing the importance of cross-generational relationships and highlighting how state-controlled education has led to a disconnect between parents and children. He critiques Iceland’s compulsory schooling system, advocating for the legalization of homeschooling, greater parental transparency, and a balanced mix of public and private education options to foster healthy competition. Eldur also calls for reforms that ensure parents retain the primary role in their children’s education, criticizing the lack of transparency in school curricula—particularly regarding contested sociological theories—and emphasizing the risks of indoctrination when state oversight replaces parental involvement.Watch our full length episode with Eldur Smári Kristinsson: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-194For 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.

194 - How the Gender Agenda Captured Iceland, with Eldur Smári Kristinsson

Stella and Sasha welcome freelance writer, free-thinker, and current chairman of the Lesbian and Gay Alliance in Iceland, Eldur Smári Kristinsson, offering a revealing overview of Iceland’s rapid societal transformation into what he describes as a "gender-crazed dystopia”. In this episode, Eldur describes how over the last 25 years, Iceland has transitioned from a nation advancing progressive gay rights to one where gender ideology has infiltrated institutions, including government, education, and even the Church of Iceland. This change, Eldur argues, has been driven by ideological activists and well-funded interest groups seeking to perpetuate their influence.His testimony underscores the deep societal shifts underway in Iceland and the challenges of addressing contentious gender issues amid institutional complicity and media narratives.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-194 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