The Tavistock: inside the gender clinic
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From Tortoise, journalist Polly Curtis tells the story of the Gender Identity Development Service for children and young people at the Tavistock. The Tavi, as it’s known, is the only NHS clinic in England and Wales which treats children suffering from gender dysphoria. Its critics have accused it of fast-tracking young people into changing gender. Its supporters argue it has provided help and support, even a lifeline for some. In a few months time the clinic will close. This is the story of what happened. You can listen to the full series ad-free and get access to exclusive bonus content by downloading the Tortoise audio app or subscribing to Tortoise+ on Apple podcasts. Or join ts a member to support our investigations and get invites to exclusive events. Go to tortoisemedia.com and enter the code Polly50 for half price membership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Introducing… Who Trolled Amber? What comes to mind when you think of Amber Heard? Liar? Survivor? Narcissist? Millions of us watched the celebrity trial of the century, Depp v Heard, in 2022. Amber Heard lost and Johnny Depp was vindicated. But what if Amber was actually the victim of an organised trolling campaign? What if the online hate against her was manufactured? Alexi Mostrous, the reporter who brought you Sweet Bobby and Hoaxed, investigates what happened to Amber and who might have been responsible. It’s a story about how our own thoughts and opinions can be moulded without us even realising. All six episodes of Who Trolled Amber are now available to binge-listen. To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Reporter and host: Alexi Mostrous Producer and reporter: Xavier Greenwood Editor: David Taylor Narrative editor: Gary Marshall Additional reporting: Katie Riley Sound design: Karla Patella Artwork: Jon Hill & Oscar Ingham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosts & Guests
Failed attempt to put aside bias
10/24/2023
I give the host credit for attempting to be impartial. I agree that this topic needs to be discussed openly and I hate the culture wars surrounding this. However, despite what other reviewers here have said, I felt her bias definitely weighed heavily throughout the series. For instance, she says that hormone blockers are not safe because they can cause the loss of bone density. While this is true, puberty blockers are widely considered to be safe despite that possible side effect, especially when considering the high cost of doing nothing for these kids. She also draws the conclusion that because most kids who take puberty blockers go on to surgically transition, that is proof that the puberty blockers are impacting them. She says it as if they were influenced to transition because of the puberty blockers, rather than considering that these kids knew themselves enough to understand that transition is what they wanted. There are several other instances in the podcast where you could tell that she definitely leans against the use of the type of treatment the center was offering. While I agree that more research and more data are needed, I also fully believe that when the parents and the doctors are telling people this is the best path for the child given what we do know, we need to concede to their judgement.
Excellent Reporting
Aug 15
Very balanced view. She asks all the right questions, even though she doesn’t always get answers. The fact that the clinic was shuttered proves those questions needed to be asked
Anti-trans content
Jun 27
Tortoise should be ashamed of themselves for helping fuel hatred against trans people. I usually love their content, but this is making me wonder what their true morals are. How can you support bigotry like this but try and call out other forms…
Disappointing lapse in journalistic integrity from Tortoise
11/17/2023
I really loved Hoaxed and Dr. Anti-vax in their ability to look sympathetically at all parties involved while still resolutely committing to telling the facts and negative impacts of conspiracies targeting children and their caregivers. That rigor seems to be gone from this series, instead replaced with a tepid “both sides have valid points” analysis that refuses to draw firm conclusions. Like vaccines, the overwhelming medical consensus is that gender affirming care is the safest and most effective approach, and yet this series gives equal credence to pseudoscience peddlers with far right connections targeting one of the most vulnerable groups in society. Rather than doing the hard job of actual fact based journalism, Tortoise has instead chosen to pursue faux-neutrality, which is particularly concerning given the exterminationist ambitions of one side.
About
Information
- Channel
- CreatorTortoise Media
- Episodes8
- Seasons1
- RatingClean
- Copyright© Tortoise Media
- Show Website
- ProviderTortoise Media Ltd