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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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.
Thank you
Oct 29
So few people could cover this issue with the kind of sensitivity this journalist has!! I feel so lucky to have come across this!
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…
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- Channel
- CreatorTortoise Media
- Episodes8
- Seasons1
- RatingClean
- Copyright© Tortoise Media
- Show Website
- ProviderTortoise Media Ltd
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