Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
This conversation connects cognitive dissonance surrounding gender identity to cultural and institutional dynamics, including developments in gender medicine and resistance to emerging evidence that challenges prevailing medical practices — illustrating how deeply held beliefs become difficult to abandon even in the face of contradictory evidence.
The core idea is that just because something cannot be proven false doesn’t mean we should accept it as true. Stella and Sasha imply that trying to "research a way out" of this issue isn't the answer, as many are emotionally invested in their decisions regarding medicalization, especially parents of trans-identified children.
This episode underscores the value of self-forgiveness and cognitive flexibility, emphasizing the importance of remaining open to re-evaluating one's path and advocating that winning "hearts and minds" is key to changing perspectives rather than relying solely on evidence. While systemic changes and broader public awareness could help shift the conversation, ultimately, the cultural "war" over gender identity will not be resolved easily or quickly, with some people doubling down on their decisions for life.
For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at
widerlenspod.com/p/episode-188
- - -
Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at whenkidssaytheyretrans.com
Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at widerlenspod.com/
Support the Show at widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show
Join this channel to get access to additional bonus content:
youtube.com/channel/UCP62aWWtlZV1oVnbMhTRBcg/join
- - -
For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:
Sasha Ayad: sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching
@SashaLPC
Stella O’Malley: stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching
@stellaomalleypsychotherapist
- - -
To learn more about our sponsors, visit:
Therapy First at therapyfirst.org
Genspect at genspect.org
This conversation connects cognitive dissonance surrounding gender identity to cultural and institutional dynamics, including developments in gender medicine and resistance to emerging evidence that challenges prevailing medical practices — illustrating how deeply held beliefs become difficult to abandon even in the face of contradictory evidence.
The core idea is that just because something cannot be proven false doesn’t mean we should accept it as true. Stella and Sasha imply that trying to "research a way out" of this issue isn't the answer, as many are emotionally invested in their decisions regarding medicalization, especially parents of trans-identified children.
This episode underscores the value of self-forgiveness and cognitive flexibility, emphasizing the importance of remaining open to re-evaluating one's path and advocating that winning "hearts and minds" is key to changing perspectives rather than relying solely on evidence. While systemic changes and broader public awareness could help shift the conversation, ultimately, the cultural "war" over gender identity will not be resolved easily or quickly, with some people doubling down on their decisions for life.
For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at
widerlenspod.com/p/episode-188
- - -
Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at whenkidssaytheyretrans.com
Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at widerlenspod.com/
Support the Show at widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show
Join this channel to get access to additional bonus content:
youtube.com/channel/UCP62aWWtlZV1oVnbMhTRBcg/join
- - -
For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:
Sasha Ayad: sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching
@SashaLPC
Stella O’Malley: stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching
@stellaomalleypsychotherapist
- - -
To learn more about our sponsors, visit:
Therapy First at therapyfirst.org
Genspect at genspect.org
