When girls think they’re boys - Eliza Mondegreen | Maiden Mother Matriarch 34
Oct 8, 2023
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Eliza Mondegreen, a graduate student specializing in transgenderism and online trans communities, discusses parallels between gender ideology and psychiatric phenomena. They explore the evolution of gender identity diagnosis and the relationship between transgenderism and transhumanism. The podcast also examines the composition of natal female identified groups, the explicit sexualized image of being a woman, and contagious psychiatric conditions like gender dysphoria.
Online trans communities attract individuals who question their gender and adopt radical new beliefs about sex and gender.
Clinicians prioritize transgender identity over clinical presentation, potentially leading to harm and lack of critical evaluation.
Transgender individuals in online communities express doubts and insecurities about their gender identity, often attributing them to internalized transphobia or imposter syndrome.
Deep dives
The Influence of Online Trans Communities on Gender Identity
The podcast episode explores the impact of online trans communities on gender identity, particularly among natal females. It discusses how these communities attract individuals who question their gender and adopt radical new beliefs about sex and gender. The episode highlights the parallels between this phenomenon and other psychiatric phenomena of the past, such as multiple personality disorder. It also delves into the undercover visits made by Eliza Mondegrine, a graduate student, to conferences on gender identity. The episode emphasizes the physical effects of transition and the long-term consequences it may have on individuals.
The Shifting Diagnosis in Gender Identity
The podcast episode discusses the evolving diagnosis of gender identity disorder and gender dysphoria. It highlights the shift towards the concept of gender incongruence, which emphasizes that one's body does not match their inner sense of self. The episode explores how clinicians have been writing 'big checks' by pushing for interventions like puberty blockers and hormone treatment. However, there is a lack of evidence supporting the long-term benefits and safety of these interventions. The concept of gender incongruence is seen as a convenient and expandable basis for medical interventions.
The Distress and Doubt in Transgender Communities
The podcast episode delves into the experiences of doubt and distress within transgender communities, particularly online trans communities. It highlights how individuals in these communities express doubts and insecurities about their gender identity, often attributing them to internalized transphobia or imposter syndrome. The episode also explores the negative impact of online community dynamics, which can exacerbate distress and create unrealistic expectations. There is a discussion about the challenges faced by transgender individuals in relation to acceptance and personal experiences with gender incongruence.
The Impact of Gender Affirming Care
The podcast episode examines the viewpoint of clinicians who provide gender affirming care. It explores how clinicians prioritize the transgender identity of patients rather than the actual clinical presentation, leading to potential harm. The episode highlights how clinicians believe they hold special knowledge of transgender identities and view themselves as champions for their patients. This often leads to a lack of critical evaluation and response to evidence contradicting the efficacy of interventions like transitioning. The episode also discusses the competitive credulity amongst clinicians in terms of following patient narratives, which can potentially harm patients.
The Future of Transgender Medicine
The podcast episode concludes by discussing the future of transgender medicine and the potential consequences of the current approach. It raises concerns about the lack of acknowledgement of alternative explanations for distress and the denial of certain adverse outcomes. The episode offers insights into how clinicians may seek to redefine gender affirming care in order to downplay controversial aspects. It reflects on the role of clinicians, media organizations, and policymakers in perpetuating and enabling the current phenomenon.
My guest is Eliza Mondegreen, a graduate student who specialises in transgenderism, especially online trans communities. We spoke about possible parallels between gender ideology and other psychiatric phenomena and the online trends surrounding gender and transitioning.
In the extended episode we discussed Eliza’s undercover work visiting conferences for clinicians and speaking to some gender-affirming care patients. You can find the extended episode, bonus episodes and the MMM chat community at louiseperry.substack.com
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