63 - Pioneers: Mid-Series Analysis

Sasha and Stella sit down to discuss their thoughts and reflections on the Pioneer interviews they’ve conducted so far in the series. This analysis attempts to synthesize what they’ve learned, what differences in perspective they hold compared to their previous guests, and reiterate the importance of these discussions within the wider context of childhood transition, scientific inquiry, and deep exploration of all things gender.

Links:

Butch Identity Development

Extended Notes

• Sasha and Stella give a mid-series update on some of the thoughts they have had so far and talk about the range of guests they've had on.

• This series started with a bang with Dr. Paul Vasey and his research in Samoa.

• Is it more acceptable now for women to socially transition?

• Our society is obsessed with femininity. Sasha explores whether more masculine women get thrown to the wayside because of it.

• Is all of this genetic or not? Stella thinks there is a hereditary component to all of this.

• People who feel like they have a genetic mental health condition vs. an environmental mental health condition feel alienated. When it’s deemed “environmental,” it feels more human.

• Can we nurture ourselves into a different place from where we started? Stella says yes.

• Just because you are susceptible to something, doesn’t mean you will become it or that you are it.

• Where did the concept of puberty blockers come from? Why did it make sense as a form of “treatment”?

• Guest Michael Bailey had some thoughts on whether it made sense for trans men to marry or have a partner.

• Can you have a successful relationship when you have autogynephilia?

• Stella knows so many functioning alcoholics. You can always live what looks like a successful life, but underneath the surface, it’s in shambles.

• Stella is curious to see if anyone is doing research behind trans porn and who is watching that.

• The whole field around children with gender dysphoria has been badly handled.

• Guest Dr. Steve Levine talked about the chain of trust researchers have with one another and how there’s very little cross-checking the actual work.

• Stella is shocked that people want to silence researchers who have dedicated the last 20‒30 years of their lives within a particular field. Why silence them?

• Guest Carole Hooven experienced sexual assault and wanted to understand, through researching monkeys, why we were aggressive to one another.

• Sasha and Stella have some interesting guests lined up for you!

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