In this episode, Sasha and Stella welcome Malcolm Clark for a really interesting conversation exploring various facets of historical ideas and identities around gender, homosexuality, and the evolution of identity activism. This discussion navigates the intricate and contentious terrain of understanding gender non-conformity and identity expression across history.
I was euphoric post sex reassignment similar to being reborn. Unfortunately my emotional insecurities which I thought had dissipated returned with vengeance. I fear my gender transition experience is not unique but likely the norm. There needs to be strong pushback against the deception of queer theory, body autonomy and the elimination of "gatekeeping." Clinical psychiatric & medical evaluation is an absolute necessity for the protection of the individual and society. There was once a requirement to do a "true or real life" test prior to hormones and surgery. A person had to be full time cross living (total identity change,work, school,socially etc. ) for a period ranging from 1 to 2 years. Eliminating "gatekeeping" and adherence to queer theory,gender affirming care, body autonomy etc. is deceptive,dangerous, and destructive.
Great wide-ranging conversation, so wonderful to hear from Malcolm Clark! Near the end of the public interview, Malcolm states that while scientists have been looking for a gene for trans or some different of the brain that explains cross-sex identification, nonetheless he would not be surprised if a gene or brain difference were to be discovered. As someone who studied evolutionary biology in college I have to say that I would be very surprised indeed. Any gene or set of genes that predispose an individual to cross-sex identification would surely also impact their "reproductive success" unless the expression of that gene/set of genes is delayed until after the individual has already had ample time to reproduce. In that case the affected individual would be unaware of their cross-sex "gender identity" until well into adulthood. This in turn would suggest that gender identity cannot emerge in children.
The most important difference between transgenderism, body integrity disorder and homosexuality is surely that demands for autonomy in the former case require medical and surgical interventions which cost money and lifelong medical input (and there are many arguments about how that should be funded) and require the involvement and resources of other people. I believe autonomy is limited to the normal function and form of the body.
In Canada recently a young man (20?) in Quebec had two fingers amputated to relieve his “body integrity dysphoria”. I wonder if this will be a growing phenomenon due to the prevalence of internet porn.
There is YouTuber named Cass Eris, who has phd in cognitive psychology and is a lecturer in a university. She made series of videos debunking Abigail Shier’s „Irreversible Damage”, of which I watched few episodes, and the whole thing made me believe that gender criticals are full of junk science and trans rights movement is science based. Anyway, she said in one video that amputation is viable treatment for body identity disorder and - I should check this if I remember correctly, but can’t find that moment now - the only working treatment for that condition. So, according to Cass Eris, if anything, comparision between transgenderism and body identity disorder only proves that transition is necessary.
It stuck in my mind for years and actually convinced me that chopping off healthy limbs is fine.
I was euphoric post sex reassignment similar to being reborn. Unfortunately my emotional insecurities which I thought had dissipated returned with vengeance. I fear my gender transition experience is not unique but likely the norm. There needs to be strong pushback against the deception of queer theory, body autonomy and the elimination of "gatekeeping." Clinical psychiatric & medical evaluation is an absolute necessity for the protection of the individual and society. There was once a requirement to do a "true or real life" test prior to hormones and surgery. A person had to be full time cross living (total identity change,work, school,socially etc. ) for a period ranging from 1 to 2 years. Eliminating "gatekeeping" and adherence to queer theory,gender affirming care, body autonomy etc. is deceptive,dangerous, and destructive.
Great wide-ranging conversation, so wonderful to hear from Malcolm Clark! Near the end of the public interview, Malcolm states that while scientists have been looking for a gene for trans or some different of the brain that explains cross-sex identification, nonetheless he would not be surprised if a gene or brain difference were to be discovered. As someone who studied evolutionary biology in college I have to say that I would be very surprised indeed. Any gene or set of genes that predispose an individual to cross-sex identification would surely also impact their "reproductive success" unless the expression of that gene/set of genes is delayed until after the individual has already had ample time to reproduce. In that case the affected individual would be unaware of their cross-sex "gender identity" until well into adulthood. This in turn would suggest that gender identity cannot emerge in children.
The most important difference between transgenderism, body integrity disorder and homosexuality is surely that demands for autonomy in the former case require medical and surgical interventions which cost money and lifelong medical input (and there are many arguments about how that should be funded) and require the involvement and resources of other people. I believe autonomy is limited to the normal function and form of the body.
In Canada recently a young man (20?) in Quebec had two fingers amputated to relieve his “body integrity dysphoria”. I wonder if this will be a growing phenomenon due to the prevalence of internet porn.
Malcolm is great, I'd like to pick his brain about a half-dozen points here.
There is YouTuber named Cass Eris, who has phd in cognitive psychology and is a lecturer in a university. She made series of videos debunking Abigail Shier’s „Irreversible Damage”, of which I watched few episodes, and the whole thing made me believe that gender criticals are full of junk science and trans rights movement is science based. Anyway, she said in one video that amputation is viable treatment for body identity disorder and - I should check this if I remember correctly, but can’t find that moment now - the only working treatment for that condition. So, according to Cass Eris, if anything, comparision between transgenderism and body identity disorder only proves that transition is necessary.
It stuck in my mind for years and actually convinced me that chopping off healthy limbs is fine.