Gender Matters: Insights from a Physician 4e1e4

If you’ve ever wondered, “What if they change their mind?”—you’re not alone. This episode breaks down the newest data on how often trans youth stop hormone therapy and retransition to a cisgender identity. We walk through a 2025 study of over 1,000 adolescents and explore what it really tells us—about numbers, nuance, and how we think about gender-affirming care. 📚 Citation:  Boskey ER, Scheffey KL, Pilcher S, et al. A Retrospective Cohort Study of Transgender Adolescents' Gender-Affirming Hormone Discontinuation. J Adolesc Health. 2025;76(4):584–591. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.11.002 Olson KR, Durwood L, Horton R, Gallagher NM, Devor A. Gender Identity 5 Years After Social Transition. Pediatrics. 2022;150(2):e2021056082. doi:10.1542/peds.2021-056082 van der Loos MATC, Hannema SE, Klink DT, den Heijer M, Wiepjes CM. Continuation of gender-affirming hormones in transgender people starting puberty suppression in adolescence: a cohort study in the Netherlands. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022;6(12):869-875. doi:10.1016/S2352-4642(22)00254-1 Roberts CM, Klein DA, Adirim TA, Schvey NA, Hisle-Gorman E. Continuation of Gender-affirming Hormones Among Transgender Adolescents and Adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2022;107(9):e3937-e3943. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgac251 Gupta P, Patterson BC, Chu L, et al. Adherence to Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy in Transgender Adolescents and Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(11):e1236-e1244. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgad306 Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

Bandit is back! This time to talk through Utah’s newly released findings on gender-affirming care for youth. In this episode, we break down what the report actually says, why it matters, and why it’s being ignored. One of us is a physician. The other? A thoughtful outsider with no personal stake in the issue—just honest questions shaped by headlines and algorithms. Together, we explore what gender-affirming care really includes, how misinformation spreads, and what it means when good science is excluded from political decisions. Real conversation still matters, and this one doesn’t shy away. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

What if the thing you’ve been told is a fact… is actually just an assumption? In this episode of Gender Matters: Insights from a Physician, we take a closer look at fertility and gender-affirming care for youth. From social and medical transition to puberty blockers and hormones, we break down what we know, what we don’t, and what we’re still trying to learn. If fertility concerns are shaping your views on gender-affirming care, this episode offers a clear, data-informed foundation—free from hype, fear, or assumption. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

In this follow-up episode, I answer honest gender questions from a friend in a space grounded in curiosity, not debate. We talk about student names, parental rights, and how to handle pronoun mistakes with care. A practical, thoughtful conversation for anyone still learning and wanting to understand more. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

"Rapid onset gender dysphoria" sounds urgent, but is it even real? In this episode of Gender Matters: Insights from a Physician, I trace the origins of the term, explore why it resonates with some parents, and explain why the science does not it. We look at how the idea caught on, what is missing from the research, and what is actually happening when teens come out. Spoiler: it is not rapid, and it is definitely not simple. Whether you are a provider, a parent, or just curious, this episode will help you move beyond headlines and toward understanding. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

This week’s episode is a little different. I invited a friend I’ve known since high school onto the podcast to ask me anything about gender. He describes himself as curious but unfamiliar with the topic, and while he’s never felt personally connected to the conversation, he’s been wondering why so many others care deeply. He didn’t tell me his questions ahead of time. This is an unscripted, honest exchange between two friends. One is trying to understand what all the noise is about, and the other is trying to make it less noisy. If you’ve ever felt unsure how to start learning about gender or how to talk to someone who is, this episode might give you a way in. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

Transgender rights are often mislabeled as a "far-left" issue, but that framing erases the humanity at the center of the conversation. In this episode, I call out the confusion between political strategies and basic human rights, and why it's crucial to we're talking about people, not politics. I also share a list of memoirs and stories to deepen your understanding, including: Sissy by Jacob Tobia Pageboy by Elliot Page Redefining Realness by Janet Mock Tomorrow Will Be Different by Sarah McBride All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson Becoming Nicole by Amy Ellis Nutt Love Wins Out by Dr. Rizi N.B. Timane Letters for My Brothers by Megan Rohrer and Zander Keig Correction: In the episode, I mistakenly said Love Wins Out was written by Dr. Rizi N.B. Nutt. The correct author is Dr. Rizi N.B. Timane. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

Everyone says they’re protecting kids. But what does real protection look like? Inspired by elephants during a San Diego earthquake, this episode offers a five-part “elephant test” for adults on all sides of the gender-affirming care debate. Whether you're ing or opposing care, are you truly protecting the children you claim to defend? Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

Why is gender-affirming care expected to be flawless when no other area of medicine is? In this episode, we unpack what “perfection” really means in this context—the idea that even one bad outcome is treated not as an individual case to learn from, but as evidence that the entire system is broken. In most areas of medicine, unusual outcomes are examined as outliers. But with gender-affirming care, those rare exceptions often overshadow the thousands of positive, life-saving experiences. We explore how that double standard fuels fe Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

The common misuse of the term “Spanish” to describe any Spanish-speaking patient stuck with me—and years later, it became the perfect analogy for a much deeper misunderstanding: the difference between sex and gender. In this episode, I explore why definitions matter and how neither public opinion nor executive orders change the biological and social realities these represent. What happens when the facts stay the same, but the language—and the laws—don’t? Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

In this special episode, I step away from my usual format to share a personal story that lives at the intersection of visibility, history, and love. What does it mean for a young transgender person to see themselves reflected in the world? And how can families, even those who don’t share the same identity, offer connection through shared learning? me at my computer—literally—where years ago, I sat with someone I love and explored the lives of transgender pioneers. This quiet act became a powerful bridge between past and future, between uncertainty and pride. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

We all know numbers can be misleading—but what happens when distorted facts are used to justify taking away people’s rights? In this episode, I break down some of the most common narratives used to stir fear and confusion about transgender people—from bathrooms to sports to military service. Many of these stories aren’t just misleading—they’re factually incorrect. Still, they continue to shape public opinion and policy. Rather than offer quick answers, this episode invites you to look more critically at how information is presented. Because when it comes to transgender rights, the truth often gets buried beneath sensational headlines and selective storytelling. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

A recent change to Homeland Security policy has raised serious concerns for transgender individuals and their families. In this episode, we explore how the removal of gender identity from protected categories could impact privacy, safety, and trust—both in society and within medical spaces. For healthcare providers, this shift isn’t just political—it directly affects patient relationships and the information patients feel safe disclosing. We’ll discuss what physicians need to know, how past policies have already harmed transgender patients, and what you can do to maintain trust in your practice. Are you thinking differently about medical privacy after this episode? Listen now and share your thoughts. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

When discussing transgender girls in sports, accuracy matters. No matter your stance, one correction is essential: transgender girls are not "boys playing girls’ sports." This distinction isn't just about respect—it’s about scientific accuracy. In this episode, I break down why this mislabeling is biologically incorrect and how it has fueled broad bans on transgender athletes. I also discuss recent research on physical differences among transgender and cisgender athletes and why precise language is crucial in both science and policy. 📝 Correction: The study mentioned in this episode was published in April 2024, not October 2024 as stated. 📖 Referenced Study: Hamilton B, Brown A, Montagner-Moraes S, et al. Strength, power and aerobic capacity of transgender athletes: a cross-sectional study. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024;58:586-597. Listen now and share with colleagues—because integrity in medicine starts with getting the facts right. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

Does Your Hospital System Need to Reassess? Sex markers are everywhere in healthcare—from ID bracelets to patient boards—but does their constant presence actually help deliver better care? Or does it do more harm than good? In this episode, I challenge the assumption that displaying sex everywhere improves patient care. You’ll learn how this overlooked detail leads to misgendering, incorrect assumptions about anatomy, and discomfort for many patients—cis and trans alike. It’s time for a reassessment. What would happen if we only displayed sex where it’s truly needed? Listen in to explore how a simple change could improve patient experience and medical excellence. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

Think your department has gender competency covered? What if the very confidence that you're "good" is the biggest red flag? In this episode, I break down the common pitfalls of assuming gender competency is a one-and-done achievement. How do you measure real progress? What’s missing when your efforts aren’t reflected in patient experiences—or even on your website? Listen in to challenge assumptions, adopt a growth mindset, and discover how improving gender competency benefits all patients. Because medical excellence requires continuous learning. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

When an executive order threatens gender-affirming care, emotions run high—for patients, families, and providers alike. It’s easy to feel frustrated, villainized, or even ready to walk away. But how do you stay committed to your values when the system makes it harder to do so? Whether you directly provide gender-affirming care or simply those who do, this episode offers insight into navigating frustration, staying grounded, and continuing to advocate for transgender and nonbinary patients.  I also share a helpful resource: the Mindful Healers Podcast with Jessie Mahoney, MD (https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast). Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

As federal websites erase mentions of “transgender,” how can medical professionals ensure all patients remain visible? In this episode, Dr. Shannon breaks down the critical role providers play in upholding medical accuracy—not just for ethical care, but for scientific integrity. She explains why distinguishing between sex and gender isn’t just inclusive—it’s essential for accurate medical practice. From ultrasound terminology to patient forms, she shares practical ways to ensure all sexes and all genders are recognized in healthcare. Visibility isn’t political—it’s science. And it starts with the language we use every day. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

Creating a more welcoming environment for transgender and nonbinary patients doesn’t have to be complicated—or require board approval. In this episode, I share five small but meaningful changes any physician can make to signal awareness and reduce assumptions. While these steps don’t create true safety, they can help patients feel a bit more at ease and consider building trust with their provider. Think you don’t have time for this? Think again. These “winks” take no extra time, but they might just make all the difference. Challenge for the week: Choose one wink to adopt and put into practice with all your patients. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.

Early gender-affirming care can reduce the need for surgery later in life, but how many people realize this? In this episode, we uncover the overlooked truths about gender-affirming surgery, including why most surgeries in minors are actually performed on cisgender teens. If you’ve hesitated to gender-affirming care for transgender youth, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and provide a clearer understanding of what’s really at stake. Don’t keep these insights to yourself—share this episode with someone who has questions about gender-affirming care! The study mentioned in this episode: Dai D, Charlton BM, Boskey ER, et al. Prevalence of Gender-Affirming Surgical Procedures Among Minors and Adults in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(6):e2418814. Published 2024 Jun 3. Enjoyed this episode? Share it on social media or send the link to a colleague or a friend who’s curious about learning more about gender. For more insights, visit engenderlove.com and our mailing list. Don’t forget to rate or review the podcast—your helps more people discover and learn with us. Special thanks to Indy M W for the music. Like and follow him on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your music.