Finally got around to listening to this. Never knew who Hippiesq was (and I, too, thought it was pronounced "hippie-ess-cue") and am glad to find out.
Love the comedy sketch idea. Maybe you can get Dave Chappelle involved, since he's on our side. Could be a great DIAG fundraiser, too.
We certainly need to laugh now and then, especially since we're still so far from winning this battle. Thank you both for being comrades in the struggle!
Kansas State Senator Democrat Senator Machaela Cavanaugh delivered an “unhinged” rant as she shouted her support for transgender people during a debate on sex change procedures for minors . . .
Thank you for your podcast and the work you're doing. But just as it is hard to get Democrats to understand the harms of trans activism and gender medicine because of Trump, calling Mamdani an antisemite and disparaging the DSA makes it difficult to get Progressives to listen. It's not as if moderate Democrats have been our allies in this fight.
No, but the few Dems who are showing signs of brain activity are moderates. The ones who identify with Mamdani and the DSA are too far gone for my persuasive ability, and are not listening to this podcast in any case. They scare me for reasons well beyond “trans,” and I think it’s debatable whether or not we serve our interests by pulling back on that kind of frankness. But that’s a debate worth having and I thank you for the comment.
I think the Democrats you’re thinking of who are more open to our point of view about trans ideology are better described as Democrats in red states than as moderates. I live in NYC. I would call myself Progressive Except Trans and I listen to your podcast. I didn’t vote for Mamdani because of his support of the trans activist agenda. But, for me, labeling Mamdani an antisemite is akin to calling the January 6th insurrectionists patriots. I know many smart, informed people who support Mamdani and the DSA, many of them Jewish, including a veteran of the Israeli Army, and active members of the DSA. I have talked to them about trans issues—I talk to everyone about it, a lot (except my own ROGD child)—and have been successful in getting them to understand, or at least consider, the harms of gender ideology and medicalization. I would hope that DIAG would try to speak to all Democrats, and I would like to help with that.
I only speak for myself on this Substack, but we agree that DIAG should be speaking to all Democrats. Supporters can find ways to help by visiting DI-AG.org, which also features recently updated information on the harms of medicalizing “gender” and other relevant topics.
Thanks to both of you. All your episodes have been so useful. Best of luck in your future ventures, and hoping things with the daughters get less “interesting.”
I loved this and could go on and on about why. But here are a few things:
1. Finding out how to pronounce the name of one of my favorite Substack authors and insightful commenters, "Hippiesque" I thought it was "Hippie-skew!" Very good to know. Hearing your actual very New York voice say such smart stuff so clearly was also reassuring.
2. The equanimous vibe from you both, when you have had to endure the worst nightmare. Beautiful and powerful model for others.
3. The feeling of complete sympatico connection with you both. There are only so many peaked Dems (or x-Dems) out there. Makes me feel less lonely.
4. The idea of more humor--Genspect skit, yes, TV show yes!
5. Jenny's super-classy and mellifluous brilliance.
6. William's incredible song at the end. Being a songwriter myself, I know how challenging it is to write a great "message" or political song that is not only strong lyrically but musically brilliant. His is both (needs a video!)
There is someone called Skirt Go Skinny that did some videos for singer-songwriter Jess Grant's GC songs, if you know him. He was anonymous when he did them a year or two ago as "Whistle." If you like that style, might be worth checking in with him for that contact. I wrote one song for the PITT parents and another for women in prison--I made my own videos for those and make them for my other music, but I am not a professional videographer. I just want to present them with some level of visual support, but the images and messages in your song really require a pro.
Elizabeth, did I somehow fail to reply to that triple fudge sundae of a comment?? I've read it enough times to have it memorized! Your engagement has been more rewarding to me than 50 paid subscriptions, so thank you, my friend. I hope I get to say it in person one day.
I don't have words sufficient to express my gratitude to the two of you, not only for this thoughtful conversation, but also for everything you have done and continue to do to help turn this freakin' upside down world of ours right side up. You are both kind and good people and, above all, the very best of moms.
I know Jenny will agree that our appreciation of you - someone so willing to put herself out to make sure things change - is too great for words to express. Thanks, my friend.
Thank you both for such an open and important conversation. I appreciate you both so much. Thank you for your writing, your speaking - and your speaking out. May your - our - daughters find their way out.
I could listen to you both for 50 more episodes, 50 more hours, 50 more years until this madness is over. Thank you both for your sane, eloquent voices, for your wisdom, for Hippiesq’s infectious giggle that is the sign of true human resilience, and for centering the perspectives of ROGD parents.
Fantastic conversation. Thanks for all of your hard work and sharing about your daughters’ struggles. Much love to you, Jenny & Hippiesque. Praying for both of your girls—
Great conversation! You touch on so many drivers in the culture and psyche.
Why isn’t it okay for people who “identify” as liberals, who vote for Democrats (or did in the past), say that they don’t believe there is such a thing as a trans child? Can’t one be supportive of a person—and not of an identity?
(Well, I guess that’s one for a philosopher in our current Identity Age.)
It's a hard question -- thanks for asking it! Hard because we can probably all agree there are innocent young people who've been gravely harmed by actions taken on their behalf by zealous adults; eg., Jazz Jennings but also thousands of younger non-celebrity victims whose futures may look increasingly worrying as the fog lifts and reality sets in. I'm sympathetic to public figures who feel a duty of sensitivity to those kids, and I suspect that's what's driving Sam Harris's curious lack of interest in the subject. I'm also enraged by the activists and the MDs who effectively made human shields of those poor kids. But I hope you can say whatever you believe to your own friends, as that kind of conversation is probably the only thing that moves the needle.
Finally got around to listening to this. Never knew who Hippiesq was (and I, too, thought it was pronounced "hippie-ess-cue") and am glad to find out.
Love the comedy sketch idea. Maybe you can get Dave Chappelle involved, since he's on our side. Could be a great DIAG fundraiser, too.
We certainly need to laugh now and then, especially since we're still so far from winning this battle. Thank you both for being comrades in the struggle!
State Senator Goes On UNHINGED Rant About Trans People On Legislature Floor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31UMfBnFcH8
Kansas State Senator Democrat Senator Machaela Cavanaugh delivered an “unhinged” rant as she shouted her support for transgender people during a debate on sex change procedures for minors . . .
Remarkable . . . cult-like hysteria
Thank you for your podcast and the work you're doing. But just as it is hard to get Democrats to understand the harms of trans activism and gender medicine because of Trump, calling Mamdani an antisemite and disparaging the DSA makes it difficult to get Progressives to listen. It's not as if moderate Democrats have been our allies in this fight.
No, but the few Dems who are showing signs of brain activity are moderates. The ones who identify with Mamdani and the DSA are too far gone for my persuasive ability, and are not listening to this podcast in any case. They scare me for reasons well beyond “trans,” and I think it’s debatable whether or not we serve our interests by pulling back on that kind of frankness. But that’s a debate worth having and I thank you for the comment.
I think the Democrats you’re thinking of who are more open to our point of view about trans ideology are better described as Democrats in red states than as moderates. I live in NYC. I would call myself Progressive Except Trans and I listen to your podcast. I didn’t vote for Mamdani because of his support of the trans activist agenda. But, for me, labeling Mamdani an antisemite is akin to calling the January 6th insurrectionists patriots. I know many smart, informed people who support Mamdani and the DSA, many of them Jewish, including a veteran of the Israeli Army, and active members of the DSA. I have talked to them about trans issues—I talk to everyone about it, a lot (except my own ROGD child)—and have been successful in getting them to understand, or at least consider, the harms of gender ideology and medicalization. I would hope that DIAG would try to speak to all Democrats, and I would like to help with that.
I only speak for myself on this Substack, but we agree that DIAG should be speaking to all Democrats. Supporters can find ways to help by visiting DI-AG.org, which also features recently updated information on the harms of medicalizing “gender” and other relevant topics.
Thanks to both of you. All your episodes have been so useful. Best of luck in your future ventures, and hoping things with the daughters get less “interesting.”
I loved this and could go on and on about why. But here are a few things:
1. Finding out how to pronounce the name of one of my favorite Substack authors and insightful commenters, "Hippiesque" I thought it was "Hippie-skew!" Very good to know. Hearing your actual very New York voice say such smart stuff so clearly was also reassuring.
2. The equanimous vibe from you both, when you have had to endure the worst nightmare. Beautiful and powerful model for others.
3. The feeling of complete sympatico connection with you both. There are only so many peaked Dems (or x-Dems) out there. Makes me feel less lonely.
4. The idea of more humor--Genspect skit, yes, TV show yes!
5. Jenny's super-classy and mellifluous brilliance.
6. William's incredible song at the end. Being a songwriter myself, I know how challenging it is to write a great "message" or political song that is not only strong lyrically but musically brilliant. His is both (needs a video!)
Thanks for this gift. ❤️❤️❤️
A video would be cool, yes.
There is someone called Skirt Go Skinny that did some videos for singer-songwriter Jess Grant's GC songs, if you know him. He was anonymous when he did them a year or two ago as "Whistle." If you like that style, might be worth checking in with him for that contact. I wrote one song for the PITT parents and another for women in prison--I made my own videos for those and make them for my other music, but I am not a professional videographer. I just want to present them with some level of visual support, but the images and messages in your song really require a pro.
*Spinny
!!!
Dropped a new one today.
https://williamaferguson.substack.com/p/its-never-palestine-for-queers?r=8m9i5&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Elizabeth, did I somehow fail to reply to that triple fudge sundae of a comment?? I've read it enough times to have it memorized! Your engagement has been more rewarding to me than 50 paid subscriptions, so thank you, my friend. I hope I get to say it in person one day.
As long as you say it mellifluously! I'm sure it'll happen at some point!
I’ll try, but no promises of being ‘super-classy.’
Thanks, Elizabeth. This really made me smile and laugh, and I so appreciate your thoughts :)
Two bright women sifting through all of these events that engage us. Just what we needed.
I am listening to this episode the way I use to eat donuts with my best friend at summer camp, taking tiny bites to make it last longer.
I might have to print out that comment and frame it. Thank you 🙏
I don't have words sufficient to express my gratitude to the two of you, not only for this thoughtful conversation, but also for everything you have done and continue to do to help turn this freakin' upside down world of ours right side up. You are both kind and good people and, above all, the very best of moms.
I know Jenny will agree that our appreciation of you - someone so willing to put herself out to make sure things change - is too great for words to express. Thanks, my friend.
I do agree!! Thank you so much, Susan. ❤️
Thank you both for such an open and important conversation. I appreciate you both so much. Thank you for your writing, your speaking - and your speaking out. May your - our - daughters find their way out.
I could listen to you both for 50 more episodes, 50 more hours, 50 more years until this madness is over. Thank you both for your sane, eloquent voices, for your wisdom, for Hippiesq’s infectious giggle that is the sign of true human resilience, and for centering the perspectives of ROGD parents.
We might just have to beg
😂
Thanks, Lisa. If I were to beg Jenny to ever do another podcast in the future, it could be the three of us sharing our experiences...
Oh, how I would listen to that!
I appreciate you both! Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking conversation. Mindlessness and extremism feed off each other.
Fantastic conversation. Thanks for all of your hard work and sharing about your daughters’ struggles. Much love to you, Jenny & Hippiesque. Praying for both of your girls—
Great conversation! You touch on so many drivers in the culture and psyche.
Why isn’t it okay for people who “identify” as liberals, who vote for Democrats (or did in the past), say that they don’t believe there is such a thing as a trans child? Can’t one be supportive of a person—and not of an identity?
(Well, I guess that’s one for a philosopher in our current Identity Age.)
It's a hard question -- thanks for asking it! Hard because we can probably all agree there are innocent young people who've been gravely harmed by actions taken on their behalf by zealous adults; eg., Jazz Jennings but also thousands of younger non-celebrity victims whose futures may look increasingly worrying as the fog lifts and reality sets in. I'm sympathetic to public figures who feel a duty of sensitivity to those kids, and I suspect that's what's driving Sam Harris's curious lack of interest in the subject. I'm also enraged by the activists and the MDs who effectively made human shields of those poor kids. But I hope you can say whatever you believe to your own friends, as that kind of conversation is probably the only thing that moves the needle.
That's what we're doing, dude.
We are the captains - and there are four lights!!! :)
Yes! In that voice! It might be my favorite moment.
Those interviews/clips are gold! Thanks so much for your podcast Jenny, and I look forward to hearing/reading your voice in future
You’re quite welcome