Abigail Shrier

Date: 2020-07-16 | Duration: 1h 47m

Episode Overview

Abigail Shrier discusses the rapid rise in teenage girls identifying as transgender, a phenomenon she explores extensively in her research and book. She highlights how social media and peer influence contribute to what she describes as a sudden epidemic, with many girls seeking hormones and surgeries without thorough mental health evaluations. Shrier shares stories from interviews, including detransitioners and parents, illustrating the complexity of gender dysphoria in adolescents and the challenges posed by current medical protocols that often prioritize informed consent over comprehensive psychological assessment. Shrier also addresses the broader cultural and political implications of transgender activism, particularly its impact on women’s sports and single-sex spaces. She critiques the erasure of biological sex in favor of gender identity, emphasizing the physical differences that matter in competitive athletics and the concerns of cisgender women. Throughout the conversation, she stresses the need for careful vetting and support for youth experiencing gender confusion, advocating for a more cautious approach that balances compassion with scientific rigor. The episode offers a nuanced perspective on a contentious topic, grounded in personal stories and data, inviting listeners to consider the complexities behind the headlines.

About Abigail Shrier

Abigail Shrier is an independent journalist and author renowned for her critical examination of contemporary issues surrounding gender and mental health. Her latest book, "Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up," delves into the complexities of therapy and the impact of societal pressures on youth development. With a background in law and a keen eye for cultural commentary, Shrier has garnered attention for her thought-provoking insights and willingness to challenge prevailing narratives. Her work not only sparks conversation but also encourages a deeper understanding of the challenges facing today's youth. For more information, visit her websites at www.abigailshrier.com and www.thetruthfairy.info.

Key Moments

– Gender Dysphoria
– Teenage Girls
– Social Media Influence
– Hormone Therapy
– Detransitioning
– Mental Health
– Transgender Activism
– Puberty Blockers
– Gender Identity
– Medical Ethics
– Parental Concerns
– Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminism
– Sports and Gender
– Informed Consent Model
– Educational Curriculum
– Transition Outcomes
– Body Image
– Peer Influence
– Suicide and Self-Harm
– Legislation and Policy
0:00:00 – Introduction and greeting Abigail Shrier
0:02:04 – Parents witnessing hormone treatments nationwide
0:03:40 – Teenage girls on the autism spectrum and gender identity
0:05:11 – Epidemic of teenage girls identifying as trans post-social media
0:06:34 – Mental health issues mistaken for gender dysphoria
0:08:38 – Transitioning not improving girls' well-being
0:10:53 – Informed consent and lack of therapy before treatment
0:13:39 – Civil rights framing complicating gender discussions
0:16:17 – Interview with young woman struggling with gender identity
0:18:21 – Puberty challenges and social media comparison effects
0:24:53 – Discussion with a detransitioner
0:27:25 – Impact of online harassment and social media
0:30:20 – Physical effects of hormone treatments on girls
0:32:44 – Predominance of boys transitioning to girls historically
0:35:05 – Concerns about mental capacity for lifelong decisions
0:39:46 – Global spread of gender dysphoria trends
0:42:56 – Surge in gender surgeries among biological females
0:46:26 – Public perception and accusations of bigotry
0:50:25 – Self-identification policies in gender recognition
0:56:59 – Rise of trans-exclusionary radical feminists
1:03:13 – Parents' fear and uncertainty about children's gender identity
1:05:02 – Distinguishing true trans identity from social contagion
1:10:06 – Calls for therapeutic support over medical intervention
1:12:14 – Impact of transgender athletes on women's sports
1:17:51 – Concerns over erosion of women's rights
1:20:13 – Book describing the gender identity phenomenon
1:23:07 – Recommended books on gender and identity
1:26:09 – Nonbinary identities taught in schools
1:29:04 – Critique of biological sex denial in education
1:31:46 – Biological differences justify gender divisions in sports
1:34:17 – Challenges to research on gender dysphoria
1:36:00 – Dismissal of detransitioners by activists
1:40:14 – Social media's role in gender ideology spread
1:42:05 – Youth as influencers in gender identity culture
1:44:08 – Abigail Shrier's first book introduction

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Hello, Abigail. How are you? Starting point is 00:00:19 No? Starting point is 00:00:34 I interviewed a lot of them. Starting point is 00:00:52 Many of whom are amazing people. Starting point is 00:01:18 Because this is like the cover looks like a four-year-old. Starting point is 00:01:47 A reader wrote to me. Starting point is 00:02:04 And she went on hormones. And this is happening to parents all across the country, Starting point is 00:02:52 Now, I've heard there's an issue with some teenage girls who are on the spectrum who wind up getting sort of roped into this idea that that's what's wrong with them. Starting point is 00:03:40 And they are one part of this phenomenon, but they're a big part. So the teenage girl part. So you're talking about teenage girls that are susceptible to influence? Starting point is 00:04:20 And this is a way to understand their pain that they're really feeling. Starting point is 00:05:11 There was all of a sudden this huge epidemic in America of teenage girls deciding they were trans with their friends after social media emerged and pushing for hormones and surgeries. Starting point is 00:05:38 So it's a great point. Starting point is 00:06:06 But there are two other reasons I don't think that's right. Starting point is 00:06:34 demonic possession, witchcraft, anorexia bulimia, and convinces themselves there's a problem. Starting point is 00:07:33 Well, there's definitely an area of real concern as well with social media. Starting point is 00:08:38 If these girls were transitioning to boys and they were living great lives and their Starting point is 00:09:05 But these girls are not being helped by transition. Starting point is 00:09:27 They drop out of school. Starting point is 00:09:54 I never understand that. Starting point is 00:10:17 But when you're going through this developmental cycle from 17, 18, 19, 20, there is a lot of chaos. There's a lot of hormonal chaos. Starting point is 00:10:53 Planned Paren...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1509?

Abigail Shrier was the guest on JRE #1509. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1509?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1509 with Abigail Shrier, topics include Gender Dysphoria, Teenage Girls, Social Media Influence, and Hormone Therapy.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1509?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1509 with Abigail Shrier is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.