112. How to Communicate Concerns About Gender Clinics: Sidewalk Steve on Skills Activists Need

You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

Sidewalk Steve earned this nickname from boldly positioning himself on the streets of New Hampshire to discuss what’s wrong with pediatric sex trait modification with hundreds of passers-by. How has an introvert like Steve worked up the courage to speak in public about the most controversial issue of our time, despite fear of cancel culture and even assault? What communication techniques does he use to reach people? And what has he observed changing in the public consensus over the past several years?

Join us as we explore the communication techniques and talking points essential for challenging gender clinics, puberty blockers, and pediatric sex trait modifications. How do we navigate the delicate balance of engaging with those who vehemently oppose our views? And what about the suicide narrative that often clouds discussions on this topic? Can we break through the barriers of cognitive dissonance to truly connect with individuals who may have been hurt by gender ideology, while they project that hurt onto those of us trying to help?

Discover the power of listening, not lecturing, as we uncover the emotional and psychological complexities that drive individuals to cling onto identities that may not serve their best interests. How do we address the need for belonging and reassurance in a world where online forums can easily groom vulnerable youth into irreversible decisions? Tune in to gain insights into the nuanced challenges of advocating against harmful gender practices and the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to question and explore their true identities.

Stephen Scaer is a special education teacher and an activist fighting sex-trait modifications for children. SidewalkSteve.org

X: @sidewalk_steve

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier
• When Prophecy Fails by Leon Festinger

Also mentioned:

• My testimony against a proposed Oregon bill banning misleadingly named “conversion therapy”
• My testimony in favor of Alaska House Bill 338

00:00 Start

[00:00:37] Activist fighting sex trade modifications.

[00:05:29] Overwhelmingly positive responses to activism.

[00:08:15] Autism and transgender activism.

[00:11:33] Children and puberty blockers.

[00:16:57] Cognitive dissonance and reactions.

[00:19:08] Cognitive dissonance and defense mechanisms.

[00:22:33] Millennial movements throughout history.

[00:27:36] Listening and understanding diverse perspectives.

[00:30:39] The balance of information overload.

[00:34:43] Regret rates in medical procedures.

[00:39:39] Detransition and autism in identity.

[00:42:51] Gender identity exploration journey.

[00:49:25] The suicide narrative.

[00:52:08] Gender Affirming Care.

[00:54:56] Suicide rates among trans youth.

[01:00:29] Suicide rates among genders.

[01:06:26] Teaching kids about suicide.

[01:08:08] Manipulation and mental health.

[01:11:59] Gender identity and autism.

[01:16:27] Speaking up in public forums.

[01:20:09] Personal stories in advocacy.

[01:23:03] Speaking up for a cause.

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SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

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