Just a note to say I’ll be climbing out of the rabbit hole for the next two to three weeks for what I hope will be a sort of genderqueer detox program.
Questions for Miriam Grossman (feel free to simplify them!):
Of course I want to start with expressing deep appreciation for your book, your efforts to protect ROGD kids, and your profound understanding of the parents’ experience.
I wonder if you could try to explain how we can make sense of the affirmers. How is it you, for instance, see this all so clearly, but so many do not? I’m not talking about the ones who see it but can’t risk losing their jobs, tribes, etc., although I am interested in the factors that allow some to risk it all anyway. But I’m most curious about those who truly believe that these children “know who they are” and therefore should be able to do these incredibly harmful, risky things to themselves.
I’m asking as both an ROGD mom, betrayed by friends, and equally as a psychologist, betrayed by my profession. And I’m asking not only because of my anger and exasperation, but also because I think we might need to understand the minds of the indoctrinated more deeply so that we can recruit more into reality and away from perpetrating this medical and psychological scandal.
More personal, myopic question: What do you think makes it more likely that a young person who has been socially transitioned for many years will desist without ever medicalizing?
If you like whimsical stuff, check out the miniature rooms collection at the Art Institute. Bonus: They were created by a cis femme presenting humanoid, which, back when the artist was living, would have been called a "woman"
I’ve seen them and was completely blown away and enchanted! Definitely worth another visit but I’ll probably save it for the frigid months. Thanks for the comment.
Have a wonderful time with your family, nature and books.
I've never been to Chicago, but it's on my bucket list. I do hear good things about the food (and, while it may be expensive, it's got to be cheaper than NYC).
I can't wait for the two interviews. As for Dr. Grossman, I would ask her if she thinks there is anything one can do to facilitate a young adult's epiphany that extreme body modifications are not the door to authenticity. At this point, I don't think there is anything to be said or done to move the needle, but I would happily accept information to the contrary.
Not my deeded-property backyard, but I can walk to the trailhead in 5 minutes, which is why I can never move, unless I become paralyzed.
Your question for Dr G is a good one and has me thinking maybe I should have you record it? I can see that working well if there are any others who would agree to record their questions. 🧐 I’ll come back to this after my detox! Thanks, H’esq!😘
A well earnt break, by the sounds of it, and a whole lot of family fun in store. Enjoy! Chicago was SERIOUSLY cold on the one occasion I visited that city some years ago, but if that keeps the snakes out, then I, raised in a snake paradise (Australia), wholeheartedly endorse it as a superior city too. Looking forward to those power podcasts upon your return. 🤗
Ha! I never once saw a snake there outside the Lincoln Park Zoo, but that’s not even in the top 20 reasons to love Chicago.
Also and importantly: I owe the lovely episode with Vaishnavi to you, thank you very much! I’m pretty sure I said as much in the recording too. Very glad to know you, Sacha, truly.
I'm just joking about the absence of snakes being a reason to love Chicago. But you're more than welcome for the contact and thanks for the mention. I hope it went well. I'm sure Vaishnavi was her usual passionate and charismatic self. I'm glad to know you too, JPA. 😘
She was brilliant, of course, and even introduced me to another artist I’ve long admired, but I can’t say more about that yet. I just love how these connections ripple; it’s energizing.
Enjoy the needed time away with your family!!
Questions for Miriam Grossman (feel free to simplify them!):
Of course I want to start with expressing deep appreciation for your book, your efforts to protect ROGD kids, and your profound understanding of the parents’ experience.
I wonder if you could try to explain how we can make sense of the affirmers. How is it you, for instance, see this all so clearly, but so many do not? I’m not talking about the ones who see it but can’t risk losing their jobs, tribes, etc., although I am interested in the factors that allow some to risk it all anyway. But I’m most curious about those who truly believe that these children “know who they are” and therefore should be able to do these incredibly harmful, risky things to themselves.
I’m asking as both an ROGD mom, betrayed by friends, and equally as a psychologist, betrayed by my profession. And I’m asking not only because of my anger and exasperation, but also because I think we might need to understand the minds of the indoctrinated more deeply so that we can recruit more into reality and away from perpetrating this medical and psychological scandal.
More personal, myopic question: What do you think makes it more likely that a young person who has been socially transitioned for many years will desist without ever medicalizing?
If you like whimsical stuff, check out the miniature rooms collection at the Art Institute. Bonus: They were created by a cis femme presenting humanoid, which, back when the artist was living, would have been called a "woman"
https://www.artic.edu/highlights/12/thorne-miniature-rooms
I’ve seen them and was completely blown away and enchanted! Definitely worth another visit but I’ll probably save it for the frigid months. Thanks for the comment.
Have a great time!
Thanks Kara. I know you’ll be holding down the fort, lol!
What! That's your backyard? Incredible.
Have a wonderful time with your family, nature and books.
I've never been to Chicago, but it's on my bucket list. I do hear good things about the food (and, while it may be expensive, it's got to be cheaper than NYC).
I can't wait for the two interviews. As for Dr. Grossman, I would ask her if she thinks there is anything one can do to facilitate a young adult's epiphany that extreme body modifications are not the door to authenticity. At this point, I don't think there is anything to be said or done to move the needle, but I would happily accept information to the contrary.
Not my deeded-property backyard, but I can walk to the trailhead in 5 minutes, which is why I can never move, unless I become paralyzed.
Your question for Dr G is a good one and has me thinking maybe I should have you record it? I can see that working well if there are any others who would agree to record their questions. 🧐 I’ll come back to this after my detox! Thanks, H’esq!😘
Enjoy your break!
Thanks MBP, I will. ❤️
A well earnt break, by the sounds of it, and a whole lot of family fun in store. Enjoy! Chicago was SERIOUSLY cold on the one occasion I visited that city some years ago, but if that keeps the snakes out, then I, raised in a snake paradise (Australia), wholeheartedly endorse it as a superior city too. Looking forward to those power podcasts upon your return. 🤗
Ha! I never once saw a snake there outside the Lincoln Park Zoo, but that’s not even in the top 20 reasons to love Chicago.
Also and importantly: I owe the lovely episode with Vaishnavi to you, thank you very much! I’m pretty sure I said as much in the recording too. Very glad to know you, Sacha, truly.
I'm just joking about the absence of snakes being a reason to love Chicago. But you're more than welcome for the contact and thanks for the mention. I hope it went well. I'm sure Vaishnavi was her usual passionate and charismatic self. I'm glad to know you too, JPA. 😘
She was brilliant, of course, and even introduced me to another artist I’ve long admired, but I can’t say more about that yet. I just love how these connections ripple; it’s energizing.
Chicago!! Do have a glorious vacation. You have thoroughly earned the right! And please do say hello to my old stomping grounds.
Aha, that’s why you’re so easy to like! I should have known you were a Windy City girl. I’ll miss your steadfast encouragement while I’m away. 🙏
Hooray for self care and fun! Thanks for all you write, think and do, Jenny.
Aw, thank you HD, I appreciate you!