Not many books change the direction of an entire debate but, in 2023, Hannah Barnes’ ’Time To Think’ did just that. Through the testimony of whistle-blowers from inside the Tavistock hospital GIDS clinic, it revealed deep concern about the use of puberty blockers on gender-distressed children and how this approach - for which there is very little hard evidence - almost always led to further and irreversible hormone treatments and surgery.

When the Cass report into Britain’s treatment of gender questioning young people was welcomed by the UK Parliament last week, politicians from across the House of Commons praised Hannah for her work, and her book is credited with helping change the policy of the opposition Labour party (and possible next government) on this very divisive and controversial issue.

Hannah’s work explores how best to treat children who feel they are somehow living ‘in the wrong body’ and fear the changes of puberty. It asks whether the ‘instant affirmation followed by puberty blocking’ model is dangerous and might better be replaced by counselling and other therapies.

If you want to support what we do and help us grow this podcast we now have a Thank You option on YouTube for donations starting at 2 UK pounds - find it by clicking on the ’three dots’ next to the ‘download’ button.

You can buy books from the authors we feature in our own bookshop, along with thousands of others. All profit are shared between podcasters and independent booksellers.

https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/time-to-think-the-inside-story-of-the-collapse-of-the-tavistock-s-gender-service-for-children-hannah-barnes/7313400?aid=12054&ean=9781800751132&

Looking for the perfect gift for a special scandalous someone - or someone you’d like to get scandalous with? We’re here to help.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ScandalMongers

*** If you enjoy our work please consider clicking the YouTube subscribe button, even if you listen to us on an audio app. It will help our brand to grow and our content to reach new ears ***

Andrew Lownie...

https://twitter.com/andrewlownie

Phil Craig...

https://twitter.com/philmcraig

The Scandal Mongers...

https://twitter.com/MongersPodcast

You can get in touch with the show hosts via...

[email protected]

(place 'Scandal Mongers' in the heading please).

Production by

Theo X

Kerem Isik

Produced by...

PodcastWorld.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.