Just thank you, man. It must feel Sisyphean to keep pointing out the same errors and the same criticisms every time. But we all need this, and we have you to thank.
I think Science Based Medicine is yet another casualty of the politicization of science. Back in 2018 they published a couple of pieces about trans issues by Hall and there was a lot of backlash (she said it was a bad idea to pull the ROGD study, flawed as it may be). As with much of the world, the pandemic has made the politicisation worse: they published an article claiming that the Great Barrington Declaration (shielding people at high risk while low risk people continue as normal) was like HIV/AIDS denial even though the authors of GBD actually wanted more resources to keep nursing home residents safe from the coronavirus. Then there was another one claiming that there was a good chance opening schools would cause a big spike in coronavirus (it didn't, and there was already data from Europe showing it likely wouldn't).
At this point in time, a lot of ostensibly scientific groups are now just parroting what their political group says is true. And that's too bad for a website like SBM which has done some good work in the past.
When Jesse out-skeptics the man who used to be my skeptical hero (Novella). Sad day for me that this is necessary but I'm glad you took the time and effort to write a nuanced and honest take that will (naturally) be panned as "transphobic" (and already is on the SGU subreddit). Sigh.
I'm not sure the claims that youth gender dysphoria is a "social contagion" are well backed up, but that doesn't mean that everything about current youth gender transition clinical practice is supported by rigorous research. *Anything* involving teenagers and psychology is going to be complex.
It seems like it's the same situation where people are afraid that acknowledging the complexity of an issue will legitimize more radical bigoted or chauvinistic views.
Jesse, this is a phenomenal article....and I am not fully finished reading it! You should re-use it in other venues........it's a really important one.
BTW, this may be of interest to fellow readers...especially the 2 minute video "Trans Resistance March and Vigil".
I believe that no one under the age of 18 should be allowed to medically transition. I even favor laws banning it until we have better information. I also think discussing inaccuracies in Gorski's and Novella's work is important and helpful. Singhal is correct in criticizing it and SMB should be encouraged to print thoughtful, scientific points of view that don't align to Trans Activist thought.
That being said, Harriet Halls review was not, repeat was not, thoughtful, scientific or helpful, it was more of a rant than a book review. And it deserved to be taken down.
Just thank you, man. It must feel Sisyphean to keep pointing out the same errors and the same criticisms every time. But we all need this, and we have you to thank.
I think Science Based Medicine is yet another casualty of the politicization of science. Back in 2018 they published a couple of pieces about trans issues by Hall and there was a lot of backlash (she said it was a bad idea to pull the ROGD study, flawed as it may be). As with much of the world, the pandemic has made the politicisation worse: they published an article claiming that the Great Barrington Declaration (shielding people at high risk while low risk people continue as normal) was like HIV/AIDS denial even though the authors of GBD actually wanted more resources to keep nursing home residents safe from the coronavirus. Then there was another one claiming that there was a good chance opening schools would cause a big spike in coronavirus (it didn't, and there was already data from Europe showing it likely wouldn't).
At this point in time, a lot of ostensibly scientific groups are now just parroting what their political group says is true. And that's too bad for a website like SBM which has done some good work in the past.
When Jesse out-skeptics the man who used to be my skeptical hero (Novella). Sad day for me that this is necessary but I'm glad you took the time and effort to write a nuanced and honest take that will (naturally) be panned as "transphobic" (and already is on the SGU subreddit). Sigh.
This blog is a constant reminder that it takes an order of magnitude more effort to dispell bullshit than to pour it out.
I'm not sure the claims that youth gender dysphoria is a "social contagion" are well backed up, but that doesn't mean that everything about current youth gender transition clinical practice is supported by rigorous research. *Anything* involving teenagers and psychology is going to be complex.
It seems like it's the same situation where people are afraid that acknowledging the complexity of an issue will legitimize more radical bigoted or chauvinistic views.
Jesse, this is a phenomenal article....and I am not fully finished reading it! You should re-use it in other venues........it's a really important one.
BTW, this may be of interest to fellow readers...especially the 2 minute video "Trans Resistance March and Vigil".
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/boston-pride-shutting-down-amid-calls-for-change/2426067/
"(If you’re curious why the American Psychiatric Association switched from Roman to Arabic numerals, that’s explained here.)"
It's these kinds of asides that make keep me subscribing
I believe that no one under the age of 18 should be allowed to medically transition. I even favor laws banning it until we have better information. I also think discussing inaccuracies in Gorski's and Novella's work is important and helpful. Singhal is correct in criticizing it and SMB should be encouraged to print thoughtful, scientific points of view that don't align to Trans Activist thought.
That being said, Harriet Halls review was not, repeat was not, thoughtful, scientific or helpful, it was more of a rant than a book review. And it deserved to be taken down.
what a fascinating read. thanks!
Typo: "at baseline, ***about months later***, and about 12 months later."
FYI, the link that explains why the DSM-5 uses Arabic rather than Roman numerals now 404s.