112. How to Communicate Concerns About Gender Clinics: Sidewalk Steve on Skills Activists Need

Sidewalk Steve earned this nickname from boldly positioning himself on the streets of New Hampshire to discuss what’s wrong with pediatric sex trait modification with hundreds of passers-by. How has an introvert like Steve worked up the courage to speak in public about the most controversial issue of our time, despite fear of cancel culture and even assault? What communication techniques does he use to reach people? And what has he observed changing in the public consensus over the past several years?
Join us as we explore the communication techniques and talking points essential for challenging gender clinics, puberty blockers, and pediatric sex trait modifications. How do we navigate the delicate balance of engaging with those who vehemently oppose our views? And what about the suicide narrative that often clouds discussions on this topic? Can we break through the barriers of cognitive dissonance to truly connect with individuals who may have been hurt by gender ideology, while they project that hurt onto those of us trying to help?
Discover the power of listening, not lecturing, as we uncover the emotional and psychological complexities that drive individuals to cling onto identities that may not serve their best interests. How do we address the need for belonging and reassurance in a world where online forums can easily groom vulnerable youth into irreversible decisions? Tune in to gain insights into the nuanced challenges of advocating against harmful gender practices and the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to question and explore their true identities.
Stephen Scaer is a special education teacher and an activist fighting sex-trait modifications for children.
Web: sidewalksteve.org
Twitter: @sidewalk_steve
Books mentioned in this episode:
Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier: amzn.to/3yLEfy7
When Prophecy Fails by Leon Festinger: amzn.to/4bObgsc
Also mentioned:
My testimony against a proposed Oregon bill banning misleadingly named “conversion therapy”: • Why Not Ban "Conversio...
My testimony in favor of Alaska House Bill 338: x.com/sometherapist/status/17...
{{chapters}}00:00 Start
[00:00:37] Activist fighting sex trade modifications.
[00:05:29] Overwhelmingly positive responses to activism.
[00:08:15] Autism and transgender activism.
[00:11:33] Children and puberty blockers.
[00:16:57] Cognitive dissonance and reactions.
[00:19:08] Cognitive dissonance and defense mechanisms.
[00:22:33] Millennial movements throughout history.
[00:27:36] Listening and understanding diverse perspectives.
[00:30:39] The balance of information overload.
[00:34:43] Regret rates in medical procedures.
[00:39:39] Detransition and autism in identity.
[00:42:51] Gender identity exploration journey.
[00:49:25] The suicide narrative.
[00:52:08] Gender Affirming Care.
[00:54:56] Suicide rates among trans youth.
[01:00:29] Suicide rates among genders.
[01:06:26] Teaching kids about suicide.
[01:08:08] Manipulation and mental health.
[01:11:59] Gender identity and autism.
[01:16:27] Speaking up in public forums.
[01:20:09] Personal stories in advocacy.
[01:23:03] Speaking up for a cause.
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SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI: www.swellai.com/?via=somether...
MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. www.joeypecoraro.com/

[@andreabell5724]

Such a great episode 🙏🙏🙏

[@Cassie3636]

I admire Steve, those of us who are retired and have the time should be out there spreading the truth. I’m one of them that should think about doing something to change the tide of this horror.

[@stephenscaer6325]

For what it's worth, I have two jobs and little spare time. No one has to wait until retirement.

[@Cladina_Green]

Great conversation, what a cool guy

[@andreabell5724]

Love the “listen to others- they’ve likely been hurt and want to be heard”
This is my biggest mistake
I cram fact after fact like a storm thinking somehow something will land and this all clears up 😂🙏
I will def listen more!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 nice pod! Thanks stephanie and steve!!
I wish I had an X account sometimes :)
RUclips/Rumble comment section is all I have 😂

[@bethdawn7820]

This is WONDERFUL. So many great ideas, thank you both so much!

[@Cladina_Green]

I carried a sign that said "Get the Cult Out of Schools" and a trans activist punched me in the face. His sign read "No place for hate"
But this was at an outdoor rally

[@anynimus1617]

They only feel entitled to hate. His punch (i hope you're ok) feels justified to him as they consider words equal to violence.

[@bethscaer2974]

Wear a bodycam.

[@bastetowl3258]

i’m really curious what the name of that lesbian musician is. a lot of butch women struggle with dysphoria but don’t necessarily medicalize because our society is still heteronormative and sexist at the end of the day. they often have a centrist position that there might be some real trans ppl out there but it just doesn’t suit them as an individual. i think a lot of ppl don’t do the research and look into trans ideology and it’s effect on whole groups of ppl. they have a very surface level understanding of transition and a “live and let live” mentality. she probably still feels like she’s very different from other women but not necessarily that she is actually a man and doesn’t understand the underlying sexism of gender identity and gender ideology. and you’re right that she also might be having doubts but wants to blend in with the wider “queer” community, as nowadays you’re not allowed to dissent and question transgenderism, or you’re ostracized from “queer” spaces. lesbian spaces aren’t really a thing anymore, so she probably wants to keep the very little community she has. she’s probably being they/themed by everyone around her, so she’s trying to reclaim these pronouns and making it seem like she chose them for herself