Are we in a crisis of over-diagnosis?
Gender dysphoria is the symptom, not the cause...
“Neurodiversity & gender dysphoria: a problem of over-diagnosis?”
To my great delight, I was invited to speak about this (increasingly) hot potato at the Battle of Ideas 2024. This was particularly special for me as in 2023, having attended the festival for the past three years running, I dared to send up a little prayer that I might be able to speak in 2024!
The session, chaired by Sally Millard, consisted of individual statements from four panel members (Dave Clements, Dr Jennifer Cunningham, Dr Az Hakeem and myself) followed by audience questions and contributions which led to further discussion.
I used my 6 minute opening statement [below] to argue that, in many cases, gender dysphoria is the symptom rather than the problem itself. That is to say, huge numbers of those identifying as trans do so as a means of coping with other underlying issues. To understand this is vital. As long as we naively affirm ‘trans’ identities, we fail to address the actual issues with which vulnerable young people so desperately need help.
I am pleased to say the entire session is now available [below]. I hope you’ll agree that the discourse was rich, educational and, at times, moving.
My heartfelt thanks goes out to the
for inviting me to speak, as well as for hosting the event and making the videos freely available online!Much love until next we meet,
Sophie