The hottest Gender Issues Substack posts right now

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Top Health Politics Topics

A roundup of some things from New Zealand, across the ditch - i.e. Australia - and the UK.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. In New Zealand, there's been a big fuss about the Midwifery Council's new guidelines that ignored the words 'woman' and 'baby'. People are pushing back and filing complaints to get the guidelines changed.
  2. A group called 'Let Kids be Kids' is traveling around New Zealand to share concerns about inappropriate content in school relationships education. They are facing backlash but continue to raise awareness about their views.
  3. In the UK, the National Health Service is dropping inclusive language like 'chestfeeding' and stopping their rainbow badge program. Changes like these are being noticed in New Zealand, showing a wider conversation about gender issues.

Ex-Corrections NZ prison officer, Josie, shares her experience of dealing with trans-identifying-males (men) in women’s prisons.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. A former prison officer discussed the challenges of working with trans-identifying males in women's prisons. She highlighted the lack of proper training for staff on how to handle such situations.
  2. She mentioned how the system seems to prioritize the needs of trans-identifying males without considering the feelings and safety of the female inmates and staff. This led to uncomfortable situations for female officers.
  3. The officer expressed her personal struggles and discomfort resulting from having to conduct strip searches on these individuals, illustrating the broader impact this type of policy can have on female staff in corrections.

Radical Honesty Has Come for the Boob Job

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1029 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. People are becoming more open about plastic surgery, moving away from old habits of denying enhancements. It’s more common now for celebrities to be transparent about their procedures.
  2. Kylie Jenner, for example, used to deny having surgery, but now she openly shares details about her breast implants. This shows a shift in how society views body modifications.
  3. The conversation around body image is evolving, with many now favoring honesty and transparency over secrecy, highlighting a changing attitude towards beauty standards.
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The week of the NZ Midwifery petition, the Aussie court case Tickle v Giggle, and the UK Cass Review.

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. A new petition in New Zealand is pushing for an investigation into midwifery practices, signaling a shift in how politicians view discussions on gender issues.
  2. An Australian court case is determining if someone who identifies as a woman should be allowed access to a women-only app, raising important questions about gender identity rights.
  3. The UK Cass Review found that puberty blockers were being used too liberally, sparking a call for more careful discussions about their use and the impact of gender ideology in healthcare.

2024: the year we 'un-kind' ourselves.

A B’Old Woman • 859 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. This year, some people want to stop being kind just because it's expected. They feel like kindness should be personal and not forced.
  2. There's concern that being kind to everyone could actually hurt certain groups, especially women, by allowing men who identify as women into their spaces.
  3. The idea of kindness is seen as being used to manipulate people, making them do things that may not be fair or right for everyone involved.

Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Women are speaking out about topics that are often seen as taboo, like relationships and aging. This honesty helps to break down barriers and opens up important conversations.
  2. Supporting female-led performances and productions is a way of resisting the suppression of women's voices. Events like 'Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back' celebrate women's stories through comedy and storytelling.
  3. The focus of these discussions is on real-life experiences, including motherhood and identity. Sharing personal stories allows women to connect and support each other in navigating life's challenges.

It’s official! Control of women's and girls' single-sex spaces in Christchurch, NZ, is no longer in the hands of women and girls.

A B’Old Woman • 599 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. The new Equity and Inclusion Policy in Christchurch has removed the protection of single-sex spaces for women and girls. This means that these spaces are now open to people who identify as women, including men.
  2. By not including the term 'sex' in the policy, it's hard to enforce rights for single-sex areas. This change makes it unclear if women's rights in these spaces will be respected or considered at all.
  3. Women and girls can no longer directly ask a man to leave a female space. Instead, they must call a staff member to deal with the situation, which takes away their control and comfort in these spaces.

I've been trying to write about Russell Brand, but I can't

The Shift With Sam Baker • 1697 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Writing about sensitive topics like accusations against celebrities can be challenging and intimidating due to fear of repercussions.
  2. There are societal pressures and expectations that contribute to the silence around issues of abuse and assault, making it difficult for victims to come forward.
  3. The cultural narratives and responses to accusations of abuse and assault often place blame on the victims, questioning their credibility and actions.

Sons of Borderline mothers

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Many men who grew up with borderline mothers experience emotional struggles and trauma. Their pain is often misunderstood because society doesn't talk about these issues much.
  2. Growing up in a chaotic or unsafe environment can lead to deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and anger in adulthood. Men may feel stuck or frustrated when they see others succeed in family life.
  3. It's common for men from these backgrounds to feel alone and not understood. Sharing these experiences can help break the silence and offer support to those who relate.

NZ's Midwifery Council wants to stop using the words 'mother' and 'baby' for mothers and babies.

A B’Old Woman • 679 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. New Zealand's Midwifery Council wants to change the terms 'mother' and 'baby' to be more inclusive. This is to recognize people who identify differently but may give birth.
  2. The decision has faced criticism for erasing traditional language related to motherhood. Many believe it undermines the focus on women's rights in midwifery.
  3. The changes to the language used in midwifery can impact how health professionals operate. Clear language is crucial to ensure safe and effective care.

A nuanced view of rape

Sex and the State • 24 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Some people notice they hear about more rapes than others and wonder whether it's because of who they meet or because people choose to tell them more often.
  2. Disclosures can come from people of any gender — men, women, and nonbinary folks — not just one group.
  3. Having a nuanced, empathetic view of rape may make others more likely to confide in you about their experiences.

Gender-Care Whistleblowers Go to Court. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2031 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Two main court cases are examining gender-affirming care for minors. One case involves the Biden administration challenging a Tennessee ban on these treatments, while the other focuses on a doctor who faced legal issues after whistleblowing about such practices.
  2. Whistleblowers like Jamie Reed and Dr. Eithan Haim have raised concerns about the impact of gender transition on young patients. They argue that the current medical system could be misleading vulnerable youth, leading to regret after irreversible procedures.
  3. These ongoing legal battles highlight the larger debate around gender care, with differing opinions on safety and ethics. Many are calling for more science-based approaches rather than political influence in these sensitive matters.

Contra Evan Urquhart On The Right To Journalistic Exclusion

Singal-Minded • 798 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Activists often want to shut down debates over youth gender medicine before they even start. They believe that there shouldn't be public discussions about how best to handle such a sensitive topic.
  2. Journalists have the right to use recorded audio from public spaces, even if someone doesn't want their voice in a story. If someone speaks where media can record, their words can be shared.
  3. Just because a source is unhappy about how they were portrayed in a story doesn't mean the journalism is bad or wrong. Journalism can upset people, and that's a normal part of the profession.

Nobody Gets Too Much Heaven...

illyanna Maisonet's Newsletter • 628 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. The author shares a personal, emotional experience of being violated by a man while taking care of their mother after oral surgery
  2. The incident leads the author to reflect on past encounters with dangerous situations involving men throughout their life
  3. The author expresses frustration with societal responses to the incident and the broader challenges faced by marginalized individuals in navigating the world

Curator

Castalia • 379 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. There's a big debate about trans issues and choices, especially about children and medical decisions like puberty blockers. Some people stress the importance of granting freedoms, while others worry about the consequences of those choices on young lives.
  2. The idea of polyamory suggests that relationships can be built on open communication and shared experiences instead of traditional monogamous norms. While some people admire this approach, others see it as complicated and challenging to manage.
  3. Psychedelics have become popular for their potential benefits, but there's a growing concern about unrealistic expectations and their safe use. People are starting to question whether these substances can really bring about lasting change in society.

(Some Of) Your July 2025 Questions, Answered

Singal-Minded • 486 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. There are ongoing discussions about whether Congress should question health experts on youth gender medicine. Some believe these experts owe the public clear explanations, especially since government funding is involved.
  2. Celebrating Pride in schools is debated due to differing parental comfort levels with LGBTQ+ materials for young children. Finding the right balance between inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs is challenging.
  3. Research on brain differences between transgender and cisgender individuals is complex. Understanding these differences doesn't necessarily answer how society should treat trans people, as each individual's experience can vary greatly.

"Men are not women, even if you squint" said the t-shirt which got a woman trespassed from a NZ supermarket.

A B’Old Woman • 659 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. A woman in New Zealand was removed from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that said 'Men are not women, even if you squint'.
  2. The incident started when a staff member, identifying as transgender, became upset about her shirt, leading to her being physically escorted out by the manager.
  3. The woman has since shared her side of the story, aiming to clear up misunderstandings about her behavior during the incident.

New Zealand women’s sports gets a timely Christmas present.

A B’Old Woman • 719 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. New Zealand's government is changing sports funding rules to stop public money from going to organizations that allow transgender athletes to compete in women's sports. This is seen as a win for protecting women's sports.
  2. Mainstream media coverage of this issue seems to focus more on the negative impacts for transgender athletes rather than highlighting the benefits for female athletes. Many believe it’s important to prioritize women’s rights in sports.
  3. Polls show that many New Zealanders oppose allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports. There's a call for sports organizations to think harder about how to create fair competition, rather than just following easy policies.

Gov. Spencer Cox on boys and men

Of Boys and Men • 63 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Men and boys often need strong anchors—work, family, faith, and community—to give them purpose and stability, and male role models in schools, churches, and civic groups matter a lot.
  2. Most men are doing okay, but a meaningful minority lack a clear sense of purpose and face serious mental-health risks, including high suicide rates, so targeted support is needed.
  3. Practical, nonpartisan solutions—like more vocational pathways and apprenticeships, more male teachers and mentors, fatherhood support, and male-friendly services to re-engage men in education—can help address these problems.

Yale’s “Integrity Project” Is Spreading Misinformation About The Cass Review And Youth Gender Medicine: Part 3

Singal-Minded • 1453 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues
  1. Yale's Integrity Project has been criticized for spreading misinformation about youth gender medicine and the Cass Review. Many argue that their claims are not based on solid evidence.
  2. Critics of the Integrity Project highlight that their arguments often lack proper context or are misleading. They suggest that the project's authors are prioritizing a legal narrative over accurate scientific discourse.
  3. The debate around gender medicine for youth is complicated and filled with differing opinions. It's important to critically evaluate sources and claims to understand the real effects of treatments like puberty blockers.

Murder, Rape, and the Sexism of Sympathy

Bet On It • 412 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Murder is generally considered worse than rape because it takes away life, and without life, there is no hope for recovery. People can often overcome rape, while murder leaves no chance for recovery.
  2. Many people feel uncomfortable discussing rape compared to murder, reflecting a cultural stigma around the topic of sexual violence. This discomfort leads to a tendency to focus more on rape victims, especially women, rather than acknowledging that murder also has severe consequences.
  3. There is a societal bias that prioritizes female suffering over male suffering, resulting in unequal sympathy. This bias can lead to neglect of men who also need help, as people often view murder victims as primarily male and rape victims as primarily female.

New Zealand’s Chief Science Advisor, who once stated that “sex isn’t binary”, is coming to the end of her three-year term.

A B’Old Woman • 499 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. New Zealand's Chief Science Advisor, Juliet Gerrard, who has said 'sex isn't binary', is finishing her term soon. This statement has created mixed reactions.
  2. There is hope that the new government will choose a science advisor who aligns more with traditional views on sex and gender.
  3. The Marsden Fund, which supports research in New Zealand, has mixed approaches to gender and sex in its grant applications, reflecting confusion in some areas of research.

Why women and girls need single-sex spaces - because it now needs to be explained.

A B’Old Woman • 939 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Women and girls need safe spaces to feel secure, especially in environments like bathrooms where they want to avoid harassment or discomfort.
  2. Many women feel more comfortable in single-sex spaces as they provide a chance to connect and learn from each other, without the presence of men.
  3. Public services should listen to women's voices about their needs for single-sex spaces, even if there aren't obvious complaints being made.

Expert Critics Of The HHS Report On Youth Gender Medicine Are Projecting—And Helping Implode Their Own Credibility (Part 1 of 2)

Singal-Minded • 597 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues
  1. The HHS report on youth gender medicine raises skepticism due to its ties to past administrations, but it actually offers a well-done summary of the current evidence, which is lacking in support for youth gender treatments.
  2. Critics of the HHS report, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, have responded quickly and forcefully but often without providing clear evidence or details to back up their claims.
  3. The conversation around youth gender medicine is complicated, and the rushing to judgment by authorities has damaged their credibility, making it harder for families to find trustworthy guidance.

International Womens Day and Ukraine

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Gender Issues
  1. International Women's Day highlights the contributions and struggles of women, especially in times of crisis. It's a reminder to honor and support women everywhere.
  2. The situation in Ukraine shows how women are playing a vital role in the fight against adversity. Their bravery and resilience are inspiring.
  3. Media coverage, like interviews and broadcasts, helps bring attention to the stories of women in conflict. Sharing these stories is important for awareness and change.

A round up of New Zealand’s year of gender ideology in 2023.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. New Zealand started a group to support women's sports, aiming to protect them from policies that allow men identifying as women to compete against women.
  2. There has been a lot of public pushback against gender ideology policies, particularly related to women's spaces and rights, with many New Zealanders expressing their concerns.
  3. A new political party focused on women's rights was formed, indicating a growing movement among women who feel unheard and want to advocate for their needs in society.

How the Gender Fever Finally Broke

The Truth Fairy • 1074 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. An executive order was signed to stop the federal support for child sex transition treatments, which many see as harmful. This change aims to protect vulnerable youth from potentially life-altering medical procedures.
  2. There was a widespread belief that medical science should be trusted without question, leading some parents to allow their children to transition. Many of these parents were just trying to do what they thought was best for their kids.
  3. The debate around gender identity treatments has involved many professionals and institutions, but it often lacked robust scientific evidence. This has raised concerns about the safety and necessity of these treatments for young people.

I need to stop being Sisyphus

Disaffected Newsletter • 959 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. It's hard to please everyone, especially when it comes to people's opinions about men. You can't change people's views, no matter how hard you try.
  2. Chasing the idea of being seen as a 'good man' can lead to frustration. It's like trying to roll a boulder uphill with no end in sight.
  3. Instead of trying to meet unrealistic expectations, focus on being true to yourself and your values. That's more important than seeking approval from others.

Smuggling hormones to Irish youth

Corinna Cohn • 805 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🌍 World Politics Gender Issues
  1. TENI and GenderGP worked together to subvert the Irish healthcare system
  2. GenderGP has a history of legal issues and improper practices in providing cross-sex hormones
  3. Parents in Ireland should be vigilant about groups like GenderGP and TENI influencing healthcare decisions

Why I Hope the Supreme Court Upholds the Ban on Child Transition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1275 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing a case about a law banning transgender treatments for minors, which has raised questions about children's rights and safety. People are concerned about whether it's right to allow medical treatments that might harm young kids.
  2. Jamie Reed, a whistleblower from a gender clinic, highlights problems in the medical field's approach to treating gender distress in children. She believes that the rush to affirm every child's feelings without deeper understanding can lead to severe consequences.
  3. There is a call for more careful consideration and questioning within the medical community regarding treatments for gender dysphoria. Reed suggests that a balance is needed to ensure children receive appropriate care without compromising their well-being.

What The Detransitioner Clementine Breen’s Gender “Therapy” Looked Like

Singal-Minded • 1083 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues
  1. Clementine Breen, a UCLA student, is suing her doctor for care she received during her transition. She feels that the treatments led her to regret her decisions.
  2. Breen's therapy involved close connections between her therapist and the medical staff, which raises concerns about impartiality. This makes it important to have independent support in such sensitive situations.
  3. There were signs that Breen's gender identity questions came about due to recent family trauma, suggesting that therapists should explore underlying issues before making treatment decisions.

How visualization reveals implicit prejudices

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 219 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Data visualization can show our hidden biases. Seeing how we react to certain graphs might make us realize our feelings about different groups.
  2. Negative reactions to visual data about trans and nonbinary people may reflect societal prejudices. People should think about why they feel the way they do when looking at such charts.
  3. Many mainstream media outlets report on gender issues in a biased way. Understanding our biases can lead to better reporting and broader acceptance of gender diversity.

Read My Story About A Major Detransition Lawsuit In The Economist

Singal-Minded • 1110 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. A significant lawsuit has been filed against a youth gender clinic in the U.S. that raises questions about their medical practices.
  2. The lawsuit involves a former patient who received hormone treatments and surgery at a young age, claiming insufficient care before these procedures.
  3. The case highlights the debate around medical gatekeeping in youth gender medicine, with contrasting views on the need for psychological assessments.

Unstable women will stop at nothing

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Some women with specific mental health issues can make false claims about violence and abuse. It's a serious problem that affects many people.
  2. There are cases where therapists avoid female clients due to concerns about false accusations. This makes it hard for some women to get the help they need.
  3. It's important to speak out about these issues and not dismiss them as exaggeration. Sharing experiences can help others understand the risks involved.