Gender: A Wider Lens

Sasha and Stella welcome Mia Hughes to the show for a chilling conversation covering WPATH's evolution from a medical organization to an activist-driven group, societal implications of medical scandals across history, and the delicate distinctions within individual experiences of gender dysphoria.

For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-156

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/ (formerly GETA)

Genspect at https://genspect.org/

This is a fun one folks!

“This is so much more interesting than biological sex being real!” - Sasha

When considering personality, behavior, and social traits, there are some whom embrace the concept of ‘cognitive creationists’, implying that human behavior is solely shaped by socialization rather than biological factors, completely neglecting the profound impact of our mammalian heritage on our cognitive functions and behaviors.

But…as evolutionary biology reveals, behavioral trends among mammals and our close relatives, including humans, exhibit predictable patterns. And as Colin was ‘canceled’ from academia for pointing out, many of those predictable patterns are based on sex. And so while socialization and environmental factors play a role, denying the genetic basis of sex-based differences contradicts historically observed evolutionary influences on human behavior and cognition. But enough about humans…

In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Colin shares about his fascinating research on arachnid and wasps, aiming to understand how individual personalities within a colony influenced the overall behavior and functioning of the group. It’s incredibly fascinating, and intriguingly enough, feels all too relevant to the relational progressions and psychological shifts we’re observing in humanity.

Watch our full length episode with Dr. Colin Wright:

To listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app click here for Substack instructions on setting up a private feed.

Gender, sex, intersex conditions, hormonal interventions, sexual signaling, behavioral differences…this episode covers them all. Sasha and Stella welcome evolutionary biologist, Dr. Colin Wright for a long overdue discussion going deep into the intersection of biology, psychology, and social factors in shaping our understanding of sex and gender. This is a refreshing conversation exploring insights into the evolving discourse surrounding trans identities, the distinction between sex and gender, the principles of scientific inquiry, behavioral development, sexual orientation, and societal perceptions. There is no denying that Colin's expertise and clarity of thought contribute to a nuanced discussion on these complex topics.

For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-155 

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/ (formerly GETA)

Genspect at https://genspect.org/

Sasha and Stella ask Scarlet, “What would you have needed when you started to experiment with this idea of being transgender?”

“Proper medical care would be nice”

Quality therapy is essential, advocating for nuanced discussions on gender and, especially during adolescence, body image issues. A supportive environment, exposure to positive role models, and awareness around online abuse, is crucial.

In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Scarlet urges professionals to recognize that decisions regarding medical transition profoundly affect all aspects of life, emphasizing challenges with medical care, romantic relationships, and societal perceptions. He advocates for a holistic approach, underscoring the complexity of navigating diverse experiences with gender identity, warning against hasty medical decisions. Rather than just focusing on ‘gender’, address the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of a person's well-being recognizing the interconnectedness of various factors that contribute to a person's health, considering them all in diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Watch our full length episode with Scarlet:

To listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app click here for Substack instructions on setting up a private feed.

Sasha and Stella share a profound and moving conversation with Scarlet, a young person who just wants “my story to add to the conversation around the impacts of transitioning as a youth - physically, mentally, and socially - both positives and negatives.” A crucial Detransition Awareness Day exploration of the nuances of self-discovery in a gender-affirming landscape.

For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-154

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/ (formerly GETA)

Genspect at https://genspect.org/

Given the recent release of the WPATH Files, the question of medical ethics in pediatric gender healthcare is undeniable. Stories like Laura's shed light on significant gaps in processes promoted as "life-saving" care. The infiltration of activism in medical fields is increasingly evident, emerging through whistleblower accounts, anecdotal experiences, growing numbers of detransitioners, legal actions, and systematic reviews exposing withheld adverse outcomes.

In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Laura criticizes the current trend of hastening gender transitions without proper exploration and differential diagnosis, emphasizing the disregard for medical ethics. She also shares her experience at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference, noting international doctors' openness compared to some American counterparts.

Watch our full length episode with Laura Becker:

With Stella on break this week, a solo Sasha welcomes guest Laura Becker who offers insightful and endearing reflections about the misdirected creativity of ROGD girls being channeled into queer theory ideas. She shares some intimate details of her personal story including the impact of chronic abuse on her mental health, her journey on testosterone, her radical double mastectomy, and her decision to detransition.

For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-153 

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/ (formerly GETA)

Genspect at https://genspect.org/

After the release of her book "Material Girls: Why Reality Matters for Feminism" in 2021, while she was a Professor of Philosophy at Sussex University, Dr. Kathleen Stock found herself being targeted by a group of activists. She faced harassment and protests including placing provocative stickers and posters throughout the campus with transphobic allegations against Stock, despite her book's thoughtful exploration of trans identification. The hostility towards Stock, which gained public attention, escalated, isolating her from her colleagues and ultimately resulted with her losing her job. Stock's experiences shed light on the broader issues surrounding academic freedom, social isolation, and the challenges of navigating contentious topics in educational institutions.

In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Dr. Kathleen Stock reflects on her experiences, highlighting the lack of support from colleagues and the university. The conversation delves into the aftermath of her departure from Sussex, exploring its impact and how Stock coped with challenges, including the role of public support, family, and her transition to a new career in writing.

Watch our full length episode with Dr. Kathleen Stock: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-152

Looking for support as a parent of a gender-questioning youth or young adult? Attend a Wider Lens Parent Retreat in 2025! Registration is now open. Visit https://widerlens.events/parent-retreat-2025 to learn more and secure your spot.

Sasha and Stella welcome Dr. Kathleen Stock. Explore the complexities of identity, the nuances of “inclusive” language, societal expectations, and the balance between fiction and truth. Uncover the implicit importance honest, empathetic discussions rooted in truthful language for fostering self-discovery and acceptance.

For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-152 

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/ (formerly GETA)

Genspect at https://genspect.org/

The significance of technological and scientific advancements in medicine is unquestionable. However, it prompts a critical examination of the appropriate limits when conducting experiments to uncover treatments leading to optimal outcomes. Experimentation necessarily entails risks, and achieving medical progress often involves interventions with potential dangers and unknown outcomes. Striking the right balance between advancing medical knowledge through experimental procedures and the imperative to safeguard patient health is a complex challenge. Ethical considerations must guide the pursuit of innovation to ensure that progress is achieved responsibly and with due regard for the well-being of patients.

In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Dr. Eithan Haim draws a compelling distinction between the therapeutic justification underpinning effective life-saving medical treatments which may exhibit high mortality rates during their experimental phases. He cites the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) as a prime example of this. In his analysis, he contrasts these kinds of successful interventions with historical medical practices like bloodletting and lobotomies, which proved unsuccessful in addressing psychological issues through physiological solutions. He highlights parallels to in gender medicine, expressing reservations about the potential consequences of misguided medical interventions.

Watch our full length episode with Dr. Eithan Haim: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-151