Abigail Shrier
Abigail Shrier is an American journalist and author, primarily known for her writings on gender, feminism, and free speech. Born in the late 20th century, Shrier graduated from Columbia College, where she earned a B.A. in Philosophy, before attending the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, where she earned a B.Phil. in Philosophy. She later obtained her J.D. from Yale Law School. Shrier's career in journalism includes contributions to major publications like The Wall Street Journal, where she has often explored controversial and complex social issues. Her most notable work is the book "Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters," published in 2020. This book sparked significant debate and controversy, as it critically examines the surge of transgender identification among adolescent girls. Shrier's approach in the book and her articles often challenges mainstream narratives, drawing both praise and criticism from various quarters. Her work emphasizes the importance of rigorous debate and the defense of free speech in contemporary society.
Books Mentioned on The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast #159 - Abigail Shrier
Book Title: Irreversible Damage – The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters
Author: Abigail Shrier
Book Title: The Discovery Of The Unconscious – The History and Evolution of Dynamic Psychiatry
Author: Henri Ellenberger
Exploring the Phenomenon of Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria: Insights from Abigail Shrier’s Perspective
Introduction: A Shift in Gender Dysphoria Trends
The recent podcast episode of Jordan B. Peterson features a riveting conversation with Abigail Shrier, a Wall Street Journal writer and author of “Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters.” Shrier’s book, recognized as one of 2020’s notable works by The Economist, delves into the sudden rise in gender dysphoria among teenage girls, a demographic historically least affected by this condition. This article encapsulates the first part of their discussion, shedding light on this complex and sensitive topic.
The Genesis of “Irreversible Damage”
Shrier’s journey to writing her book began with a mother’s plea. The mother shared a story about her daughter, who, despite showing no previous signs of gender dysphoria, claimed to be transgender after starting college and rapidly began hormone therapy. This narrative opened Shrier’s eyes to an alarming trend of young girls, without a history of gender discomfort, swiftly accessing hormones and surgeries. Shrier’s inability to find a journalist willing to explore this issue led her to take on the challenge herself.
The Controversy Surrounding Gender Dysphoria and Transgender Identity
The podcast delves into the contentious nature of discussing transgender issues. Peterson himself admits to his trepidation about the interview, highlighting the potential backlash faced by those who question the current narrative surrounding gender identity. Shrier points out the significant shift in the demographic affected by gender dysphoria, from primarily boys and men to teenage girls with no childhood history of the condition. This demographic change raises critical questions about the reasons behind this sudden surge.
Challenging the Status Quo: The Role of Social Media and Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria
Shrier accuses social media of playing a pivotal role in influencing girls to identify as transgender. She explores the concept of “rapid onset gender dysphoria,” a hypothesis suggesting a sudden, peer-influenced rise in transgender identification among teenagers. This hypothesis, however, remains controversial and is not widely accepted by mainstream medical organizations.
The Impact of Affirmative Care and the Lack of Medical Oversight
One significant change in the medical community is the shift to an affirmative care standard. This approach involves medical professionals agreeing with a patient’s self-diagnosis without applying their medical judgment. Shrier criticizes this practice, arguing that it fails to consider other mental health issues that might be influencing the patient’s decision to transition.
The Wikipedia Battle: Misrepresentation and Ideological Struggles
Shrier discusses the misinformation and ideological battles on her Wikipedia page, emphasizing the inaccuracies and the activist-driven narrative that often overshadows objective discussion. She stresses that her book does not advocate a specific method of treating transgender teenagers but rather highlights the lack of medical safeguards in the rapid transition process.
Epidemic or Social Contagion? The Surge in Transgender Identification
The podcast also touches on the dramatic increase in the number of young women seeking gender treatment. In Britain, referrals for gender treatment have skyrocketed by over 4000% in the last decade. Shrier questions why this surge is predominantly seen in teenage girls and not in older women or men, suggesting a social contagion rather than a natural increase in transgender identification.