Samantha from Ohio shared her struggle with a deeply personal family issue: her brother, who now claims to be a "trans woman," and the challenge of lovingly but firmly setting boundaries for the sake of her young daughters' innocence. Patrick's advice? Classic Madrid: truthful, compassionate, and anchored in Catholic teaching. Here's the recap:

The Situation:

Samantha, a busy mom of two girls under two, loves her brother but doesn't agree with him.

Her big question: How do I protect my kids' innocence while staying compassionate toward my brother?

She doesn’t want to expose her daughters to confusion (or have to explain why "Uncle is dressed like Auntie") but is struggling with how to tell her brother he’s not invited to family gatherings like her daughter’s first birthday.

Patrick’s Wisdom: 

Protect Your Kids First:

He says that Samantha's instincts are 100% right. As a parent, her first responsibility is to protect her daughters. Patrick reminded her that she’ll have to answer to God someday for how she raised them and shielding them from confusion is an act of love. 

Truth Over Delusion:

Patrick stressed the importance of calling things what they are. A man claiming to be a woman is still a man. Period. (Matthew 19:4: "In the beginning, God made them male and female.")

Society may push false terms like "trans woman," but using them only feeds the delusion. Patrick adds that it's like telling an anorexic person they're fat when they’re dangerously thin: it doesn’t help them. Truth, even when it's hard, is the most loving approach. 

Love + Boundaries:

You can be loving without compromising on truth. Whether through a thoughtful letter or a face-to-face conversation, Samantha should show truth with charity.

Example: “I love you, but I won’t expose my daughters to ideas that contradict reality. I hope you understand.”

If he reacts badly? That’s on him, not her. Seeds of truth often take time to grow. 

Books to Help:

Patrick suggested two excellent reads for understanding this cultural madness:

When Harry Became Sally by Ryan T. Anderson 📖

Trans by Helen Joyce 

Samantha’s Response:

Samantha plans to either write a heartfelt letter (because who doesn’t love old-school snail mail?) or have a tough but loving conversation. She shared that she’s already told her brother she won’t affirm his delusion, but now it’s time to be firmer about her boundaries. 

Takeaway for Us All:

This is the kind of challenge many Catholic families are facing today. The culture may be in chaos, but as Patrick reminded us, truth doesn’t change. God made us male and female and affirming reality: compassionately but firmly, is an act of love. 

So, if you’re in a similar boat:

Pray. Ask for wisdom and courage.

Be firm. Love isn’t afraid to set boundaries.

Stay compassionate. Speak truth but do it with gentleness and kindness.

Drop a prayer for Samantha, her family, and her brother.