Changing Tide on Gender Ideology | Peter Boghossian & “Billboard Chris” Elston
Nov 30, 2023
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Activist Peter Boghossian and 'Billboard Chris' Elston engage in a conversation on changing public reception of child sex 'transitions', addressing arguments from gender activists. They discuss techniques for controversial discussions, the 'real reason check' in Spectrum Street Epistemology, difficulty in changing minds, tribal thinking, and accountability in gender-firming care.
Children's gender identity should not be determined by signs such as trying to pee standing up or playing with toys typically associated with the opposite gender, as these are normal behaviors that do not indicate transgenderism.
Activists who bring attention to the issue of child transgender treatments often face resistance and a lack of support, but through perseverance, conversations, and raising awareness, activists have been successful in changing people's minds and gaining support, especially from communities that have been traditionally more conservative.
Deep dives
Gender clinics distort signs of transgender identity in children
Children's gender identity should not be determined by signs such as trying to pee standing up or playing with toys typically associated with the opposite gender, as these are normal behaviors that do not indicate transgenderism. Gender clinics should not treat children based solely on these signs. The awareness about the lack of evidence and the questionable practices used by gender clinics has grown, leading people to question the validity of this ideology. It is important to differentiate between gender nonconformity and true gender dysphoria in order to provide appropriate care for children.
Challenges faced by activists against child transgender treatments
Activists who bring attention to the issue of child transgender treatments often face resistance and a lack of support. It takes time for people to understand the concerns and trust the activists. Many are afraid to speak out against these treatments due to fear of being labeled as anti-LGBTQ or facing backlash. However, through perseverance, conversations, and raising awareness, activists have been successful in changing people's minds and gaining support, especially from communities that have been traditionally more conservative.
Tactics used in discussions about transgender treatments
When engaging in conversations about transgender treatments, finding common ground is crucial to establish trust and lower the emotional temperature of the discussion. By starting with a statement that most people can agree with, such as there is no right way to be a boy or a girl, it opens the door for further exploration. Asking thought-provoking questions and getting people to question their own beliefs can be an effective tactic. However, changing someone's mind on the spot is rare, and the goal is often to plant seeds of doubt that may lead to further reflection.
The need for accountability in child transgender treatments
There is a growing need for accountability in child transgender treatments, especially when it comes to procedures such as puberty blockers and surgeries. The medical professionals involved in these treatments, as well as the administrators facilitating them, should be held accountable for their actions. Lawsuits are being filed against some clinics, and there is hope that increased awareness and legal action will lead to changes and potentially criminal trials. It is essential for those who have concerns to take action, educate themselves, and support organizations dedicated to addressing this issue.
Chris Elston became an activist for the public awareness of child sex “transitions” more than three years ago. He’s been harassed, attacked, and even suffered a broken arm for the message on his billboard: “Children cannot consent to puberty blockers.” In this conversation with Peter Boghossian, Chris explains how the public reception of his message has changed alongside increasing awareness about the myths promoted by gender ideologues.
Peter and Chris compare notes on their techniques for engaging strangers in controversial discussions in the public square. Chris shares various arguments he frequently hears from gender activists and how he addresses them. Peter highlights his use of the “real reason check” in Spectrum Street Epistemology to get to the foundation of a belief. They also discuss the difficulty people have changing their minds in real time, the coercive influence of tribal thinking, and who will be held accountable for medical malpractice on children.
Chris briefly mentions the new Dutch documentary about the history of the Dutch Protocol for gender transition.
This podcast was filmed October 30, 2023 at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship Conference in London, England.