Federalist Radio Hour ‘The Kylee Cast’ feat. Walt Heyer, Ep. 21: There’s No Such Thing As Transgender
Dec 11, 2025
Walt Heyer, an author and speaker who transitioned for eight years, shares his journey of rediscovering his true identity as a man after experiencing deep regret. He emphasizes how childhood trauma shaped his path, discussing the impact of cross-dressing and the confusion surrounding gender identity. Walt also critiques the current approach to gender dysphoria in therapy, advocating for trauma-informed alternatives instead. With insights on faith, recovery, and support for others, his story aims to inspire hope and understanding in the complex conversation around gender.
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Early Cross‑Dressing Seeded Lifelong Shame
- Walt Heyer describes being cross-dressed by his grandmother at age four and told to keep it a secret, which began his lifelong struggle.
- That secret affirmation created shame and a pattern of seeking approval through feminine presentation.
Abuse Multiplied Before Age Ten
- After his parents fought over the dress, Walt's father began punishing him with a hardwood floor plank.
- An adopted teen relative then sexually abused Walt, compounding trauma before age ten.
Secret Identity As A Teenager
- In adolescence Walt adopted a secret identity, Crystal West, and cross-dressed in hidden spots to recapture affirmation.
- He hid the behavior from most people because disclosure brought rejection in that era.
