The hottest Gender Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

Shimbwe

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Using tools like ChatGPT can help improve writing quality. It can transform drafts into fluent English without losing the original meaning.
  2. Interactions with local communities can reveal important social issues, like the struggles of orphans. It's vital to consider how to empower existing community leaders instead of playing the superhero.
  3. Forming connections with others, like learning a language for someone special, can deepen experiences. However, genuine connections can be challenging to find amidst cultural differences.

It was a good day in New Zealand yesterday, Friday 24th November.

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. New Zealand's new government is starting to change school curriculums to focus more on academics and less on gender ideology. This means less emphasis on topics around gender and sexuality for students.
  2. Sporting policies are changing to ensure fair competition, which means only biological women will compete in women's sports. This is a response to concerns about men participating in women's categories.
  3. The new government is also taking steps to protect free speech by rejecting hate speech laws and ensuring universities maintain free speech policies. This shows a commitment to open discussions and diverse viewpoints.

Open letter to the Christchurch City Council NZ – available for anyone to sign who is a current, or potential, resident or visitor to Christchurch.

A B’Old Woman • 359 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. The Christchurch City Council is being criticized for not including the word 'sex' in their new policy, which only mentions 'gender'.
  2. There are concerns about allowing men who identify as women to access women-only spaces like the pool's women's sessions.
  3. An open letter is available for current or prospective residents and visitors to Christchurch to support keeping female-only services and facilities.

But What About the Men?

The Reclamation Era • 119 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Women should support each other and lift each other up, as this creates a stronger community. It's important to celebrate women's achievements and encourage solidarity among them.
  2. Men also deserve to pursue happiness and personal growth. Just like women, men should have the opportunity to work on themselves and strive for a fulfilling life.
  3. Being a feminist doesn't mean hating men. It involves advocating for women's rights while also recognizing the importance of good men who contribute positively to society.

How it went down on the day - the 'Voices for Children' rally in Welly.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. The 'Voices for Children' rally focused on concerns about gender ideology affecting kids. Many speakers argued that promoting certain ideas about gender to children is harmful.
  2. Despite some protesters, the rally was well-organized and brought together a variety of people concerned about children's welfare. There was a strong sense of unity among attendees.
  3. The event received positive feedback for the management by police and security. It gave a feeling of safety compared to previous events where tensions escalated.
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"Dear Lee, thank you for standing up for women, when none of the women did."

A B’Old Woman • 599 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Men who identify as women can pose a risk to women in single-sex spaces, and it's important to keep those spaces safe.
  2. Some arguments about determining who is a woman, like inspecting genitals, are not practical and ignore our ability to recognize gender clues.
  3. It's concerning when women's rights are compromised for the sake of accommodating men who identify as women, and there's a need for balance.

You will never be good enough to belong

Men Yell at Me • 823 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Some people, like Pete Hegseth, don't believe women should serve in combat roles in the military, even if they meet the same standards as men. This shows a big gap in acceptance and equality.
  2. There is a growing narrative that men feel entitled to roles traditionally held by them and see the rise of women and minorities in the military as a threat. This reflects a larger struggle over who truly belongs in these spaces.
  3. Women and minorities often have to prove themselves more than men to earn their place, regardless of qualifications. This highlights an ongoing challenge for equality in many areas, not just the military.

Health New Zealand seems allergic to using the word 'woman' - but not the word 'man'.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues
  1. Health New Zealand often avoids using the term 'woman' in its communications, especially in discussions about maternity. This is surprising since it uses 'man' frequently, leading to feelings of discrimination.
  2. When discussing men's health, the language is very inclusive with terms like 'fathers' and 'brothers'. In contrast, women's health language seems limited, making it hard to identify who is being referred to in maternity contexts.
  3. Many people are concerned that avoiding 'woman' and 'mothers' while promoting language for men is problematic. This raises questions about how women's identities are represented in healthcare communications.

2025 is the year of the ex-husband's revenge

Men Yell at Me • 710 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Women are finding freedom and happiness after divorce, pushing back against traditional expectations. Despite struggles, there's growth and resilience among them.
  2. There is a growing divide in political views between divorced men and women, which reflects deeper societal anxieties. This divide is influencing political landscapes and responses to women's progress.
  3. It's important not to see women's independence as the cause of male anger. Instead, we should focus on supporting women's freedom without feeling the need to appease men's grievances.

Things that won't work on me

Disaffected Newsletter • 1119 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. False claims made by some feminists about harassment are seen as untrustworthy and deceitful.
  2. There is frustration with demands for detailed explanations about how to address cultural issues, feeling that it's a waste of time.
  3. Suggestions to tone down anger or criticism are rejected, as the focus is on holding others accountable rather than trying to convince them.

The Cost of Kindness – a White Camellia podcast

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Women often show more empathy and kindness, which can sometimes be taken advantage of. It's important to recognize when kindness is being exploited.
  2. As women gain life experience, they become wiser about balancing empathy with pragmatism. Understanding that the situation is bigger than just one person's story helps them make better decisions.
  3. The podcast discusses the impact of uncritical kindness towards men identifying as women on women and girls' rights. It's crucial to think about the broader consequences of our actions.

The trouble with being single, female, heterosexual, and middle aged

Sex and the State • 231 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Being single and middle-aged can feel very different than when you were younger. Men may treat women differently as they age, which can be surprising.
  2. Finding a partner becomes harder as time goes on because potential matches are less available. This means it might be useful to change how you look for connections.
  3. It's important to work on your own relationship patterns. Improving your attachment style can help you find and keep the kind of partner you really want.

Wars of the Sexes

In My Tribe • 820 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Cultural conflicts often arise between men and women, but not everyone fits neatly into one side or the other. It's more about which side certain people feel connected to.
  2. Women's movements like suffrage and temperance had a huge impact historically, but not every cause gained lasting support. For example, the end of Prohibition showed a shift in societal values.
  3. There's a growing trend in institutions towards more feminine values, but this can create tension. Ideally, we should find a way for masculine and feminine values to coexist peacefully and appreciate each other.

Anti-Trans Activists are Unprincipled and Depraved

American Dreaming • 246 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Anti-trans activists often focus on issues like fairness, but many times their real motives are rooted in bigotry. They don't actually care about the fairness they claim to fight for.
  2. The argument for banning trans people from certain spaces, like women's sports, is often contradictory. Critics worry about fairness but ignore that some activities, like chess, are not physically competitive.
  3. The rise of anti-trans sentiment has led to a dangerous environment where any dissent or different viewpoints are quickly attacked. This movement is growing in power and is becoming more aggressive in its approaches.

NZ’s biggest telecommunications company publicly disrespects women.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. A major telecommunications company in New Zealand has been criticized for not supporting women's rights. Many feel the company favors a specific group over women.
  2. The company publicly backed an activist known for stirring up anti-women sentiments, causing unrest during a women's rally. This situation sparked discussions on social media.
  3. Some customers are considering switching to other services due to the company's stance on women's issues. There are opportunities for businesses that want to attract customers unhappy with current corporate attitudes.

Social Justice Encroachment into Medicine

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues
  1. The focus in medicine is shifting from just improving health to also addressing social justice issues. This change is influencing how doctors see their roles, making them more like activists.
  2. There's growing concern about how medical guidelines in gender care are established. Some recent textbooks promote a very one-sided view and may ignore crucial issues that need more research.
  3. Changes in policy around gender-affirming care show that discussions about healthcare are becoming more political and less focused on individual patient needs, which is troubling.

Patriarchal Backlash

The Great Gender Divergence • 275 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Gender Issues
  1. Indian women with higher education or earnings than their husbands are more likely to face severe violence
  2. In endogamous societies, female employment may not lead to marital equality if women cannot leave abusive marriages
  3. Intensive kinship systems may entrench intimate partner violence through gender status beliefs and caste networks

Kiwis increasingly don't buy into gender ideology, say five poll results in the last year.

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Many New Zealanders are expressing concerns about gender ideology, especially regarding its impact on women's sports and spaces.
  2. Five polls over the past year show a clear trend that people do not support the forced inclusion of gender ideology in schools and public policies.
  3. Politicians may not be hearing about these concerns because people feel uncomfortable speaking up, but it doesn't mean those issues aren't important.

An interesting thing happened at the 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Welly .....

A B’Old Woman • 739 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. The 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Wellington was created for those who want to support women’s issues but may not feel comfortable speaking out. It aimed to provide a space for solidarity.
  2. Despite weather challenges, about 150 people showed up for the rally, which was a positive turnout compared to past events that faced violence.
  3. There was a notable incident where a man claimed to be a woman during the rally. This highlighted ongoing tensions between gender critical women and trans rights groups.

Young men have pretty positive views on manhood

Of Boys and Men • 270 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Young men today generally have positive ideas about what it means to be a man. Many of them see qualities like honesty and helping others as important.
  2. There's a lot of worry about young men turning to outdated or harmful views, but studies show that's not the whole picture. Most young men don’t fully embrace negative stereotypes of masculinity.
  3. It's important to listen to what young men really think instead of just focusing on the worst examples. They often want to provide for their families and care for their kids, showing a more caring side to masculinity.

Global Village of the Damned

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Some people believe that the process for getting gender surgeries is too easy and lacks proper evaluation. They feel that quick approvals, like 22-minute Zoom calls, might not be safe for individuals making such big decisions.
  2. In California, there's a new proposal that says not supporting a child's gender identity could be considered child abuse. This means courts could take kids away from parents who don’t agree with their child's feelings about gender.
  3. A judge in Washington allowed a spa to change its rules on who can use its women-only space. This decision upset the owner, who has run the spa for a long time, and could lead to the closure of his business.

Cycling New Zealand restores single-sex competition; and new report says NZ hospital wards should be “single-gender” (whatever that means).

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Cycling New Zealand has decided to restore single-sex competitions. This change is aimed at ensuring fair competition for female cyclists against biological males who transition after puberty.
  2. A new report suggests that hospital wards in New Zealand should be single-gender. The authors argue that sharing rooms between men and women could compromise patient safety and dignity.
  3. There is a growing debate around gender identity and its impact on sports and healthcare. Some believe it's important to recognize biological differences, while others advocate for more inclusive language and policies.

Hostility to Money

David Friedman’s Substack • 224 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. People often prefer non-monetary forms of payment in social situations, like inviting someone to dinner instead of giving them cash. This shows a belief that relationships should feel personal, not transactional.
  2. Adoption and surrogacy reveal the oddity of payment norms. While it's acceptable to pay for services related to these processes, directly paying a mother for consent is often seen as wrong.
  3. Money can change how we view relationships. When money is involved, it can make things feel unequal, as if one person is superior to the other, which is why some avoid payments in certain social interactions.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the boys and men party

Of Boys and Men • 465 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Governors are starting to focus on the challenges young men face today. They are discussing issues like housing and education that especially impact young men.
  2. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted specific gender gaps in home buying and education in her recent speech. She plans to take action to help increase men's participation in higher education.
  3. This is a significant move from a female leader known for advocating women's rights. It shows that improving opportunities for both genders is important and not a competition.

New Zealand Police and the TQ+ influence

A B’Old Woman • 579 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. The police in New Zealand were criticized for not intervening during a rally where women felt threatened. This raised concerns about their priorities and decision-making.
  2. There seems to be a growing focus within the police force on diversity, particularly regarding transgender issues. This goes alongside a noticeable lack of representation for other groups, like ethnic communities.
  3. Training for police includes a push for certain language regarding gender identities. This has sparked debate about the impact on women's rights and safety.

My presentation in November's webinar for Women's Declaration International - Australia & New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 299 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. A recent decision by the Christchurch City Council allows men who identify as women to access women-only spaces, which has raised concerns among some women about their safety and privacy.
  2. Although the Council claims they prioritize equitable access and safety, they have not consulted with groups opposing this policy, leading to feelings of being disregarded.
  3. There are calls for more transparency and feedback mechanisms to better understand the impact of such policies on women and to ensure women's voices are heard.

Who gets to be a person?

Men Yell at Me • 523 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. New laws and orders can change who is seen as a person in society. Pregnant people, LGBTQ individuals, and immigrants may have their rights challenged.
  2. Silence about cruelty can allow it to continue. People often suffer from the actions of those close to them rather than strangers.
  3. Those who were involved in harmful acts may feel empowered after being pardoned. This can create fear for the loved ones affected by their actions.

NZ Parliament’s biscuit tin unleashes a bill to make ‘gender identity’ a protected characteristic.

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. A new bill in New Zealand aims to prevent discrimination based on 'gender identity' and 'gender expression.' This could impact women's rights and spaces.
  2. The bill claims to not change existing protections for sex and sexual orientation, but many worry it might still harm women's safety and rights in public spaces.
  3. Some groups, including Māori advocates, are concerned about how the bill uses cultural references and how it might not truly support the rights of women and girls.

learning about athletic gender reality

bad cattitude • 236 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. There is a strong belief that allowing transgender girls to compete in women's sports creates an unfair advantage, as male biology often enhances athletic performance.
  2. Many believe that society is neglecting the rights and achievements of female athletes by allowing trans women to dominate in sports designed for women.
  3. The conversation around gender in sports is seen as a struggle between fairness for female athletes and the recognition of gender identity, leading to calls for separate competitions.

Men are lonely, but mothers are losing their minds

Men Yell at Me • 247 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. The mental health of mothers in America is getting worse, with more parents reporting feelings of anxiety and depression. Many factors contribute to this, like rising costs of living and cuts to support programs.
  2. While there is a lot of focus on the struggles faced by men, especially younger ones, it's important to remember that women, especially mothers and teen girls, are also facing serious mental health challenges.
  3. There's a noticeable push to benefit men politically and socially, but this could overshadow the struggles of women, who are experiencing their own hardships in the workplace and at home.

A woman is not a person, not in this America

Men Yell at Me • 214 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Women are facing increasing violence and discrimination in America, which is reflected in recent events. This shows a troubling pattern where women's rights are being undermined.
  2. E Jean Carroll's new book is a powerful way to take control of her own story and fight back against the narrative used against her. It mixes serious themes with personal touches, making it both relatable and impactful.
  3. The fight for women's and immigrant rights is part of a larger struggle against a system that wants to enforce traditional roles and suppress those who challenge them. Understanding this can help us see the bigger issues at play.

Rebellion!

Disaffected Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. A therapist discusses Nevada's focus on 'affirmation only' gender ideology and offers advice on finding a non-activist therapist.
  2. People are starting to resist extreme gender policies in schools, highlighted by principals criticizing students for not supporting LGBTQ events.
  3. There is controversy over schools providing inappropriate materials in libraries, as some believe it harms children despite claims of promoting diversity.

Pre-Kilimanjaro Take 2

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues
  1. Sexual violence is a huge problem that happens in many places, including war zones and homes. It's important to understand how and why it occurs to effectively respond to it.
  2. Rape is often used as a weapon of war, showing a disturbing connection between violence and control over populations. This problem goes beyond geography and also affects peaceful countries.
  3. Everyone can help combat sexual violence by speaking out, supporting victims, and teaching respect. Men have a crucial role in changing the conversation around women's rights and fighting against these issues.

Gov. Gavin Newsom acts on boys and men

Of Boys and Men • 139 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Gov. Newsom's new Executive Order aims to improve support for boys and men, focusing on mental health and community connection. Many young men feel isolated, and this plan seeks to change that.
  2. The initiative encourages more men to participate in education and healthcare roles. Having more men in these professions can help bridge the gap of representation and provide better support for boys and men.
  3. It's important to tackle men's issues without undermining efforts for women's rights. Helping boys and men should go hand-in-hand with supporting women and girls, as it benefits society overall.

Can a child identify as a woman?

A B’Old Woman • 499 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Some people believe that if anyone can identify as a woman, it could also include children. This raises concerns about how society defines gender.
  2. There are fears that if children are allowed to identify as women, it could create safety issues, especially in spaces meant for women and girls.
  3. Without a clear definition of what being a woman means, there’s anxiety about where boundaries will be drawn and how this may affect children and society.

The Crusade against America

Thinking about... • 487 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Misogyny and gender ideology can be harmful within military and political contexts. They can lead to conflicts that distract from real security issues.
  2. History shows that women have always played roles in warfare. Denying this reality is based on outdated beliefs that do not align with present-day military needs.
  3. There is a danger in empowering individuals who have a narrow view of society. Such leaders can create chaos and undermine the principles of democracy.

‘Young New Zealander of the Year’ award has gone to the man who helped stoke up violence against women.

A B’Old Woman • 539 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. A man who encouraged violence against women received a major award in New Zealand. This has raised concerns about the values being celebrated in society.
  2. Media and activists seemed to spread negativity towards a women's rally, which led to violent confrontations. Many believe this hostility shut down healthy discussions.
  3. The award recipient's identity is also controversial, as he identifies as a trans person but did not always present that way. This situation has sparked debate about gender identity and recognition.

Dingus of the week: Bret Baier

Men Yell at Me • 558 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. Bret Baier is criticized for his interview style, which some see as unbalanced and focused on complaints rather than real issues. He often interrupts and uses tactics that undermine the interviewee's credibility.
  2. Harrison Butker faced backlash for comments suggesting women's primary role should be as wives and mothers. His views are viewed as outdated and patronizing, reducing women's roles to traditional expectations.
  3. There are positive initiatives happening, like programs that help formerly incarcerated individuals find jobs in the solar industry, showcasing efforts to support marginalized communities.

What's this? New Zealand's Human Rights Commission adds a disclaimer to their website.

A B’Old Woman • 299 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues
  1. The Human Rights Commission in New Zealand added a disclaimer to their FAQ page. This disclaimer states that the guidance there is not legal advice and might not be the final word on any topic.
  2. The HRC suggests that service providers cannot refuse men who identify as women access to women’s spaces. However, this advice could lead to confusion, as the law allows for single-sex services in some cases.
  3. Service providers still have the option to decide their own policies regarding who can enter women’s spaces. They may want to seek more thorough legal advice to clarify their options.

NZ Herald (at last!) publishes an article which questions the use of puberty blockers.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues
  1. An article in the NZ Herald challenges the use of puberty blockers, marking a shift in the media's approach to the topic. It highlights that previous articles may have had misleading information.
  2. Research and reviews from multiple countries, including New Zealand, question the safety and efficacy of puberty blockers for children. Some findings suggest serious health risks and a lack of improvement in mental health.
  3. There's concern about the increasing rates of puberty blocker prescriptions in New Zealand, as procedures and guidelines are becoming more accessible to children without extensive evaluations.