Classroom Psychology

Baroness Hilary Cass gave an interview to Laura Kuenssberg in which she made a number of bold claims about gender diverse children and young people. Were any of them supported by the evidence? One was. Let's discover which one, together, in Classroom Psychology!!!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Cora gives her annual holiday message. The world is as challenging now for gender diverse people as it has been in quite some time, but together we're going to make a world where everyone can find a place to belong.

'We are seeing that people are detransitioning at a pretty high rate' There are two new systematic reviews about the rate of detransition. How high is too high? We take a look together in Classroom Psychology!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'We will stand up for you' Is the world beginning to turn back toward supporting the trans community, and is there a way that we can grow and thrive even in a world that does not? Even in the context of transphobia, you know how we psychologically grow? Together. It's Classroom Psychology!!!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'They should be in a straightjacket with a hard steel lock on it' Why are gender diverse folk reluctant to engage with research? Let's take care as we dive together into some of the most harmful research conducted on gender diverse people. It's Classroom Psychology. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'Unequivocally... those who underwent surgeries faced higher risks.' This week Cora goes toe-to-toe with an influencer to understand how a handful of studies show surprising outcomes from transition related healthcare, and we look at a systematic review to break the deadlock. It's Classroom Psychology!!!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'It's a fetish, Janet!' What are gender critical beliefs and how have they become so mainstream? We take a look at how framing trans exclusion as the protection of women influences public opinion. And we laugh at just how radical some of these beliefs have become. It's Classroom Psychology!!!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

The UK has released new schools guidance around keeping children safe and relationships and sex education and Cora reviews them both. They're an example of trans erasure, but don't worry, Cora totally keeps her cool... totally... It's Classroom Psychology!!!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'The transgender movement is the most violent domestic terror threat in the world' Cora takes on Donald Trump Jr . and we take a look at the largest survey ever conducted, released just this week, about the health and wellbeing of gender diverse folk. It's Classroom Psychology!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

For trans folk being legible in the world can sometimes involve a change to their voice. Cora has been working on her voice and we take a look at before... and after... Can trans voices change with training? You be the judge. It's Classroom Psychology!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'...children experienced gender dysphoria after binge watching trans content on social media' Trans folk use social media like everyone else, but the effects are not quite the same. What happens when the models of what is possible in transition are somewhat idealised online? We take a look together, it's Classroom Psychology!!!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

This week Cora takes on the EHRC, the Government, and the Supreme Court. What is 'passing' and why shouldn't passing be the benchmark for entry to appropriate spaces it is fast becoming? Bring your hot chocolate and pull up a chair, we'll get into it together. It's Classroom Psychology!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'They're attributing their experiences to gender when they're actually better understood as an autistic trait' What are experiences of young people at the intersection of gender diversity and neurodivergence, and what are the intersectional experiences of young people with multiple marginalised identities? We take a look together with the indefatigable Dr Abby Vines.

Where should we house transgender prisoners and what are their experiences? This is a difficult episode with a huge content warning, we are going to talk about sexual assault, about violence, about self harm and suicidality. There are lots of things we can do to better support our gender diverse prison population, so let's review them.References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'Tr***y tr***y tra**y, I don't care, you want pe****s in women's bathrooms' We ponder stigmatising language and what happens when people begin to internalise stigma. It's a wild world out there but thankfully we're not alone. It's Classroom Psychology!!!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Researchers from California got in touch to ask a series of fascinating questions, so I thought we'd try something a little different, as we get into sommething a little more personal, and a little cozier. It's Classroom Psychology!

'...to say therefore I am a woman is just a betrayal of language' We tackle the question of gendered brain development and wonder what kind of brains transgender folk have. This field is beyond Cora's skills to understand... and it shows. But we're in this together, it's Classroom Psychology! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

There are a handful of studies that look at the relationship between GnRHa and cognitive development, in terms of IQ and executive functioning. We find that these studies, as weak as they are, are alarming but that the model of care your country endorses creates very different implications for these findings. Let's get into it together in Classroom Psychology! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

The holiday season can be really challenging for gender diverse folk, and this year, given the year it has been, it's particularly difficult. So Cora offers a little holiday message for her gender diverse kin out there, and we look forward to next year together, and remember that we are working together to create a world where everyone, everyone, can find a place to belong.

'The gender craziness is most common in wealthy, White, progressives' We take a look at big representative research around the world to wonder about the demographics of trans and non-binary people. I was surprised to learn that the community does not reflect the population in some important ways. Let's dive in together in Classroom Psychology. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'If I was wearing a wig and lipstick would I have been banned from schools...?' There are some forms of masculinity that can be a positive force for good in the world, and some that might be less so. Thankfully we have Dr Ffion Davies to help us to understand the difference in Classroom Psychology,

'It makes no sense to give people permanent solutions to a temporary problem' Do trans people who receive transition related healthcare continue to receive that healthcare 5 years later. We look at two recent studies, using different methods, with remarkably different findings. We do a deep dive into both in Classroom Psychology!

'Teaching this religion as if it is fact' Is gender identity a real thing? What do measures of gender identity tell us about how it develops and changes over time? We're so fortunate to have Dr Ellie Fisher help us to answer this one; let's get into a cozy conversation together in Classroom Psychology!!! Dr Fisher's paper we talk about: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38712516/

'You can be sued for cyberbullying for speaking the actual truth' We take a look at the Paris Olympics, at cyberbullying. and Cora gets... uh... upset. But it'll be ok because we're a community here at Classroom Psychology. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'So I vowed to destroy the woke mind virus' When the language around gender diversity is so provocative is it possible for us to come together and find consensus? Thankfully we have Dr Antreas Anthimou to help, as we start a new chapter of Classroom Psychology.

'Lazy, entitled, and difficult to work with' What are the consequences of workplace discrimination for gender diverse folk and can we create workplaces where people can be their authentic selves and, if we do, what happens to the wellbeing of employees? Let's take a look, it's Classroom Psychology!!! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'Schools have been feeding students into this medical experiment' The Cass Review is rather conservative about social transition in part because of a misinterpretation of a key study. Let's dive into this thing one. more. time. together, it's Classroom Psychology!!! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'Puberty blockers are beneficial... but the quality of these studies is poor.' Dr Cass is wrong, and this misinterpretation has profound implications for the review and our interpretation of it. How is Dr Cass wrong? I'll put the kettle on! This is Classroom Psychology! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

The Cass Review was informed by systematic reviews that excluded the low quality evidence from synthesis. Is this a reasonable decision and what do the excluded studies tell us about psychological functioning after gender affirming hormones? Let's take a look in Classroom Psychology! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'Gender identity is the new religion they preach' You ever wondered how we might inclusively think of gender, what gender identity is, and what is means to be gender diverse? Definitions and language are hard, but we can find it tricky together in Classroom Psychology! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Gender diverse folk are at an increased risk of developing disordered patterns of eating and methods of weight control. There are discrete reasons for gender diverse folk being more likely to engage in these kinds of behaviours and understanding these reasons can open up new ways to help. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Gendere diverse folk can change the gender they perform to themselves and to the world, a shift in expression known as social transition. While affirmative care might support mental health, does social transition have similar effects? Let's find out together in Classroom Psychology. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Are trans folk so sexy that they can't resist transition? Autogynephilia is the theory that transgender folk invert the object of their sexual attraction inward, becoming that which they most admire... but does the theory have any merit? References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Is representation a good thing? Is it possible that representation might influence attitudes towards marginalised communities and maybe, might better representation even improve viewing stats of shows and movies? We take a look together in Classroom Psychology. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

While there might be a focus on dysphoria and distress for gender diverse communities there is also an experience they know better than most, one of gender euphoria. We take a look at the positive end of gender diversity and ponder the question of what it is like to experience gender euphoria. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Transition is sometimes seen as hasty, maybe hurried, but the research about the experiences of children and young people show transition to be anything but. Let's take a look together. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

When schools are more welcoming more gender diverse folks can live openly, but if schools aren't able to tackle the bullying and victimisation that goes on within, does this create a risk for those being authentically themselves therein. We take a look at harassment, bullying, and victimisation. Content warning: We talk about sexual harassment, bullying, and suicidality. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Classroom Psychology is going on tour, coming to you live from around the UK. This episode the University of Glasgow LGBTQ+ Psychology Network kindly permitted us to record the session, so here is Classroom Psychology Live!

When politicians debate the existence of gender diverse communities that sets a problematic context for gender diverse folk to exist within. We take a look at how exclusionary discourse and policies can create problems for gender diverse folk and how inclusive policies and discourse can create a world where everyone can find a place to belong. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

It can be hard to remember to use someone's name or pronouns but what if we misgender or deadname someone for philosophical, religious, or stigatising reasons, what might the effects be? And by using a chosen name and the correct pronouns can we create a world in which we can all find a world to belong? References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Do transgender women retain an athletic advantage over their cisgender counterparts following transition and, maybe, does it matter? If the competetive line we draw is always arbitrary, maybe the question here is about the level of arbitrariness we're willing to accept. So... where do we draw the line? References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Why do we not 'treat' gender dysphoria as a 'mental health condition' and support people to change their gender identities to alleviate their suffering? We take a look at gender change efforts and the often severe consequences they yield for those subject to them. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

It is often claimed that gender is only male and female, that this is a Universal truth. But that is a particular view of gender we have advanced around the world through colonialism; if it appears to be the truth that is only because we have oppressed alternative understandings so heavily. We take a look at pre-colonial cultural practices around the world to understand what gender diverse folk might share in their experience, and then we wonder how colonialism has marginalised and oppressed these identities and cultural practices, often directly through specific colonial law making. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Is there a link between neurodiversity and gender diversity and if there is, what might explain that link? We take a look at this intersection and ponder whether neurodiverse communities might show some resistance to the gender norms to which we are all often pressured to conform. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Should schools automatically tell parents whenever a child or young person starts to question their gender? We take a look at how young people understand and communicate their experiences to loved ones. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

'A grown man - a trans woman - entering a grown woman's space... is obviously wrong' This week we take a look at the question of whether transgender women put people at risk either by being a risk directly or by inclusive policies weakening the protection of single sex spaces. There's a content warning today: we talk about violent crime and sexual assault a lot this episode. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

This week our question is about whether children and young people experiencing gender dysphoria might experience that dysphoria to spontaneously resolve if they were left to grow without transition related support and services. We take a look at the early studies in the 80s, another wave in the early 2000s, and finally we take a look to the modern literature to find an answer together. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

Some commentators highlight the complete lack of evidence of the outcomes of gender affirmative care, particularly long-term, so we take to the literature to find out what the science knows about the long-term outcomes from the various aspects of gender affirmative care. Turns out there is lots of evidence...who knew? References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

This week our question is about social transition in childhood and whether transition is the result of stronger cross-gender identification or whether it might contribute to stronger cross-gender identification. We take a look together at the work of amazing scientists like Selin Gülgöz and Kristina Olson and Cora turns her fangirling up to maximum. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing

This week we try to understand the apparent rise in adolescent non-binary and trans masc folks assigned female at birth referred to gender identity develpopment services across the western world. We look to the frequently proferred explanation of Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria and see what the science has to say. As always, we describe all of our question askers with the greatest of generosity and aim to answer their questions fully, but I wouldn't recomment Abigail Shrier's book; if you're looking to read an engaging tome on the subject I can recommend Shon Faye's The Trans-gender Issue, I read it from cover to cover. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing