I appreciate Vanessa’s integrity and courage. At the same time, several things she said demonstrate how the political polarization in the US affects this debate. As a Christian and a liberal Democrat who is decidedly gender-critical, it’s always distressing to me when other Christians assume their persecution on this issue is about their religion and when they assume that their faith demands alignment with conservative/Republican positions.
Vanessa’s choice of Chris Ruffo, a deeply polarizing right-wing culture warrior, adds to the difficulty. There are these days many more non-partisan journalists who are willing to address gender medicine and minors. For example, Jesse Singal, and even a couple of people at the NYT. And of course, The Free Press will publicize these stories.
The FBI visit sounds terrifying and requires investigation, as does the apparent violation by her employer of whistleblower protections. I hope she gets some answers and some justice. What is clear to me, though, is that law enforcement generally and the FBI specifically have a history of both efffective discharge of their duties AND of abusing power. Civil rights organizations, for example, were routinely infiltrated by the FBI and spied on. Whistleblowers on both the right and the left have long been targeted by politicians and employers. Whistleblowing is a thankless task that often destroys lives.
Framing this as just a political hit, however, reinforces the popular (and inaccurate) view that all liberals love this trans stuff and that all conservatives hate it. It’s also a little conspiracy-tinged. That simplistic view contributes to an environment in which medical professionals can (also inaccurately) assume they have an ethical obligation to be “gender-affirming” because the alternative is simply bigoted, rather than grounded in the desire to first do no harm and second to serve the actual needs of the patient.
As a parent, I thank you for coming forward. We need many more courageous people like you, but courage is contagious, so you may inspire others!
I appreciate Vanessa’s integrity and courage. At the same time, several things she said demonstrate how the political polarization in the US affects this debate. As a Christian and a liberal Democrat who is decidedly gender-critical, it’s always distressing to me when other Christians assume their persecution on this issue is about their religion and when they assume that their faith demands alignment with conservative/Republican positions.
Vanessa’s choice of Chris Ruffo, a deeply polarizing right-wing culture warrior, adds to the difficulty. There are these days many more non-partisan journalists who are willing to address gender medicine and minors. For example, Jesse Singal, and even a couple of people at the NYT. And of course, The Free Press will publicize these stories.
The FBI visit sounds terrifying and requires investigation, as does the apparent violation by her employer of whistleblower protections. I hope she gets some answers and some justice. What is clear to me, though, is that law enforcement generally and the FBI specifically have a history of both efffective discharge of their duties AND of abusing power. Civil rights organizations, for example, were routinely infiltrated by the FBI and spied on. Whistleblowers on both the right and the left have long been targeted by politicians and employers. Whistleblowing is a thankless task that often destroys lives.
Framing this as just a political hit, however, reinforces the popular (and inaccurate) view that all liberals love this trans stuff and that all conservatives hate it. It’s also a little conspiracy-tinged. That simplistic view contributes to an environment in which medical professionals can (also inaccurately) assume they have an ethical obligation to be “gender-affirming” because the alternative is simply bigoted, rather than grounded in the desire to first do no harm and second to serve the actual needs of the patient.
I continue to be so proud of you two women for the work you are doing on this podcast. Thank you from one therapist to another.