Gender: A Wider Lens

With such a scarcity of voices from the surgical community chiming in on about their insights and reflections on gender-affirming care, Sasha and Stella eagerly welcome Dr. Eithan Haim to share his compelling perspective on his experiences and observations at a leading pediatric hospital in the United States.

For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-151 

@EithanHaim on X(Twitter) - https://twitter.com/EithanHaim

Legal Defense Fund for Surgeon Whistleblower - https://www.givesendgo.com/texas_whistleblower

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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/

Exploring the parallels between the fervor surrounding gender medicine and the hysteria of recovered memory syndrome from the 1990s, both phenomena share a common anchor in the likely resistance of influential figures, like clinicians, therapists and even stake-holders like parents, to change their stance due to personal, reputational, or legal consequences.

Read more from Leor about this in his City Journal article linked here:

The New Onodas : As evidence mounts against their position, how long will proponents of “gender-affirming care” for minors hold out?

A notable distinction between the two phenomena is the extensive institutional capture entwined with gender medicine, a dynamic that didn't quite manifest during the recovered memory craze. 

But interestingly, as you will hear in this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Leor describes a shared thread that fuels momentum and peaks cultural interests behind both movements - the ongoing internal tensions within feminism and the diverse voices within the feminist spectrum emerging on all sides of each movement.

Watch other full length episodes with Leor Sapir here:

Join Sasha and Stella in welcoming Leor Sapir back to the show. In addition to hearing his analysis of the recent New York Times piece by Pamela Paul on youth gender medicine and detransition, listen as they explore comparisons between gender medicine and consumer-driven cosmetic practices, bans on gender-affirming care in the United States, the fostering of narcissism, and parallels with the recovered memory craze from the 1990s.

For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-150

Manhattan Institute - Leor Sapir https://manhattan.institute/person/leor-sapir?top=false&limit=10&page-number=7&people%5B%5D=46760&dates=

Leor Sapir on X(Twitter) @LeorSapir

Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ 

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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/

Desistance is a gradual process, unlike the initial identification, and parents may not receive any clear announcement from their child about moving away from a trans-identified phase.

A child’s trans identity can often serve as a security blanket, saving them from the hardships and pain of their ‘old-life’. It is so important to honor that perception, but also empower positive experiences beyond the identity as well. Garner creative outlets, new activities giving them the opportunity to discover experiences fostering appreciation for their body. Carefully monitor the introduction of new social connections, aiming to replace the impact of trans community messages with fresh seeds of hope, genuine interest, optimism, growth and development. 

That name was their ‘ticket out’.

In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, the emphasis is all around stressing the importance of parental authority and setting boundaries while also remembering to acknowledge the emotional turmoil kids may face while attempting to shed their trans identity.

Watch the original episode with January here:

Join January Littlejohn in this powerful episode as she shares the impact of her daughter's school facilitating social transition without parental consent. Uncover the challenges, strategies, and emotional turmoil of navigating desistance while fighting against a prevailing ideology. Learn about repairing parent-child relationships, setting boundaries, and embracing a radical reset. January's story sheds light on the urgent need for awareness and critical thinking in the face of a misguided ideological wave affecting families.

For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-149 

Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ 

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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/

Some kids may resist healing their gender dysphoria because they cling to it as proof of their transgender identity. They see their dysphoria as essential to their trans identity, and seem to resist letting go of it because it provides them a sense of authenticity and belonging. They can often become fixated on the promise of transformation through social and medical transition, believing it’s the key to happiness, rejecting any other alternatives.

In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Sasha and Stella explore reflections and strategies for working with and parenting kids with these ideas and feelings about their gender dysphoria.

Visit www.widerlenspod.com to subscribe and hear the full conversation.

In this episode, Sasha and Stella explore the complexities facing therapists curious about supporting gender dysphoric patients. Join us for a well-rounded take on investing in the process, embracing client-therapist dynamics, managing differing worldviews, and leaning into the fundamental therapeutic value of asking questions.

For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-148

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/

Happy 3-year anniversary to Gender: A Wider Lens! This episode marks the celebration of Sasha & Stella’s third year together sharing insightful conversations contemplating gender from a depth perspective.

From engaging listener comments, to memorable guests, to unforgettable aha moments, this episode is packed full. Sasha and Stella share their big takeaways from 2023 and reflect on the incredible journey since their first episode was released in 2020. They highlight some of the fan-favorite episodes from all three seasons, showcasing the evolution of the podcast, and they share about anticipated guests and topics planned for 2024.

In the spirit of festive celebration, Sasha and Stella open up about their own personal holiday traditions with a very special sign off offering listeners warm wishes for the holiday season and happy blessings in the new year.

Sasha and Stella will return from the holiday break with new episodes in February 2024.

Links:

The Cass Review | Interim Report - Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People

https://cass.independent-review.uk/publications/interim-report/

Use of Puberty Blockers Doubled Since NHS Clampdown

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/11/26/use-of-puberty-blockers-doubled-since-nhs-clampdown/ 

(WPATH Files)

Bigger Picture Conference Denver: How WPATH Ends with Michael Shellenberger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN0orsEwyAo  

Wishing you all a merry and happy holiday season!!

Oriental Khalta Rice (the dish Sasha references)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_hTmwJhGUA 

White Elephant Rules

https://www.whiteelephantrules.com/ 

'Fairytale of New York' played at Shane MacGowan's funeral

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s8lvnSmISc 

The Chieftains - Brian Boru's March (the song Stella plays on the flute)

https://youtu.be/owF60WWWrks?si=1sYzLGyzyz_yxqty 

Order Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents

https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ 

Support the Show & Access Exclusive Content

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Join the conversation on YouTube

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2023 Top-5 Episodes:

Episode 109 — What If We Are All Wrong: A Mother’s Regret with Rose

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com

This is a question we received from one of our listeners.

In the world of gender, myths and misconceptions often overshadow the complex realities at play. This episode is dedicated to debunking myths from both sides of the debates. This conversation emphasizes the need to break down myths surrounding gender, acknowledging the overblown ideas that contribute to a lack of nuance and understanding, and sheds light on exaggerated points used as rhetorical strategies by different sides of the gender discourse.

Sasha and Stella highlight the danger of blanket statements and the challenge of navigating a topic as intricate as gender in the age of social media. They also explore the impact of parental influence and societal expectations around gender. In a world where gender discussions often fall victim to oversimplification and polarized views, Stella and Sasha's conversation serves as a valuable reminder to approach these complex issues with nuance and empathy. Breaking down myths and fostering understanding is essential for meaningful dialogue, progress in the ongoing gender debate, and the potential for deeper societal understanding emerging from the current discourse.

Genspect’s: The Gender Framework

https://genspect.org/resources/sample-policies/genspect-presents-the-gender-framework/ 

Bigger Picture Conference - Denver

Talks from the #genspectbiggerpicture conference in Denver, CO, 2023. More videos will be added regularly, revisit the link again for more content.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmsMIEB9bK5xwwzCuF5AsjjviLfOxLzBA&si=DX_jQTb4JU_6pDmG 

Gender: Therapy Session Notes w/ Sasha Ayad

https://substack.com/@sashaayad 

Gender Dysphoria & Suicide (Episode 34)

https://gender-a-wider-lens.captivate.fm/episode/34-gender-dysphoria-suicide 

Suicide by Clinic-Referred Transgender Adolescents in the United Kingdom

Biggs M. Suicide by Clinic-Referred Transgender Adolescents in the United Kingdom. Arch Sex Behav. 2022 Feb;51(2):685-690. doi: 10.1007/s10508-022-02287-7. Epub 2022 Jan 18. PMID: 35043256; PMCID: PMC8888486

https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/35043256 

The Myth of "Reliable Research" in Pediatric Gender Medicine: A critical evaluation of the Dutch Studies-and Research That Has Followed

E. Abbruzzese, Stephen B. Levine & Julia W. Mason (2023) The Myth of “Reliable Research” in Pediatric Gender Medicine: A critical evaluation of the Dutch Studies—and research that has followed, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 49:6, 673-699, DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2022.2150346; https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2022.2150346 

Order Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents

https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ 

Support the Show & Access...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com