NYT Director of External Communications Charlie Stadtlander's identifying the difference between advocacy mission and journalism mission is crucial. Let's lean on that! How can we thank him for it?
Your reply to GLAAD strikes exactly the right note - there is a real - and big - and important distinction between advocacy and journalism, and between organizations with those different missions. If The New York Times sticks to journalism, facts, widespread coverage, fearing no point of view, it will be serving the public.
Leonore: thanks for the idea, and the template. Inspired by you, I just wrote, too, as follows:
Dear Mr. Stadtlander:
I am writing to convey my gratitude for your thoughtful reply to the GLAAD letter. As you note, the distinction between advocacy and journalism is critically important. The adherence of the New York Times to the best principles of journalism, without fear or favor, best serves its readers and the public. Your letter embodies those principles.
Leonore - Thank you for your reply, I truly appreciate hearing the feedback. I couldn't agree more about the importance of the unflinching journalism that our audience expects of us. All the best to you, and sincere appreciation for your note.
You were right. Today, on the "trans day of remembrance," NYT published an essay by Marci Bowers full of the lies that constantly get trotted out. No one can comment on it. Ugh.
I noticed on his linkedin that he posted a Safety and Security fellowship opportunity a day ago: "For any of my friends with a background in threats, security and staying safe both online and in meatspace...this is the opportunity for you. A one year fellowship supporting the safety and security of The New York Times's newsroom. Join us!" I wonder why....
Thank you for continuing to speak up. I appreciate all the information in here and will use it to inform my own letter to the editors or The NY Times. I don't expect anything to be published; I just want to let them know some of us appreciate a broader view on this topic.
Fantastic letter. This line made me LOL: "Einstein would have been shit out of luck." In the interests of diversifying their editorial perspective, I would also suggest that the NYT meet with writers who are detransitioners, such as Helena Kirschner.
Leonore: I am reporting in. I got a very nice response from Mr. Stadtlander. Here's what he wrote: "Susan - Thank you for your reply, I truly appreciate hearing the feedback. I couldn't agree more about the importance of the unflinching journalism that our audience expects of us. All the best to you, and sincere appreciation for your note." This confirms to me, despite all odds, that praising folks for what they do right is a helpful thing to do, and one we don't do often enough.
Brava. So grateful for your deep knowledge, clear, articulate writing, and consistent courage. And, in this case, a bit of delightful humor into the bargain: “Imagine if Newton had claimed not only that there was no more to know about gravity, but that it was hateful to ask questions about it. Einstein would have been shit out of luck.” I stand with you, proudly, and with JK Rowling, and with all the magnificent women everywhere who are refusing to be silenced, including so many here. You give me hope--and sometimes, even a little bit of courage to speak out of my own! (PS: the Morgan never got back to me re the Izzard thing, but I did have a little better luck with the American Prospect on a young writer’s maiden voyage article supporting boycotting the Harry Potter video game🥳.)
Great column -- in substance and in tone. Of course I am deeply curious to see if the activists letter succeeds in limiting the NYTimes coverage. Obviously they succeeded after the whole Tom Cotton op-ed fiasco, in which the NYTimes distinguished itself with new levels pusillanimity and concessions to activists.
I agree entirely with this post. As long-time reader of the NYT, I have been appalled at the one-sided coverage. The actual lies that have been printed that fit the trans agenda, but when implemented cause permanent harm to children who lack the capacity to consent to medical procedures that will leave them damaged forever. Only very recently have I noticed the slight crack in the pro-trans rhetoric. The ignorance of the general public about the biological facts around mammalian reproduction have been frightening to behold. Physiology is not a "social construction" and wishes can't always come true.
Yes! Distressed teens deserve evidence-based care, not to be treated like throwaways by surgeons and hospitals who want nothing to do with them after they've gotten paid. These kids are being exploited and discarded, not cared for.
And, as a therapist you walk a very fine line. If you refuse your patient a “letter of readiness” when they demand one, you risk losing them to an activist therapist who is happy to oblige. There is no assessment protocol to ensure “readiness” as there is for, say, bariatric surgery. The “readiness letter” does nothing other than cover the physician’s/surgeon’s ass. It does nothing to predict “success”, whatever that means. But try telling that to a dysregulated teen who wants her breasts gone.
I can tell you as a clinician that explaining to a teen who is hell bent on medicalizing that the evidence is not there to predict success is not for the weak hearted. The caustic rage that is usually reserved for their parents suddenly gets turned on you, and they will most likely terminate therapy. This is why we need journalists and medical professionals to continue pushing the truth into the public realm.
But today the NYT published this op-ed by Megan Stack: When Parents Hear That Their Child ‘Is Not Normal and Should Not Exist’ Was this one of the writers who attacked other writers? I would love to see the paper publish a response, something like "When Parents Hear That Their Child ‘Is Not Normal and Must be Sterilized and Amputated’."
Jonathan Chait nailed the Times letter and the sentiment behind it pretty well. I have a feeling that people like Lisa and Jesse Singal have finally had an effect on NY Magazine --
being pro woman is no more anti-trans than it was anti-men. Women are objective reality. Women fearing being women is on men and men self iding as women are denying women ordinary human senses. Cotton Ceiling is the best argument against gender id
NYT Director of External Communications Charlie Stadtlander's identifying the difference between advocacy mission and journalism mission is crucial. Let's lean on that! How can we thank him for it?
I agree.
charlie.stadtlander@nytimes.com
How's this?
Dear Mr. Stadtlander,
Your reply to GLAAD strikes exactly the right note - there is a real - and big - and important distinction between advocacy and journalism, and between organizations with those different missions. If The New York Times sticks to journalism, facts, widespread coverage, fearing no point of view, it will be serving the public.
Fantastic!
Leonore: thanks for the idea, and the template. Inspired by you, I just wrote, too, as follows:
Dear Mr. Stadtlander:
I am writing to convey my gratitude for your thoughtful reply to the GLAAD letter. As you note, the distinction between advocacy and journalism is critically important. The adherence of the New York Times to the best principles of journalism, without fear or favor, best serves its readers and the public. Your letter embodies those principles.
OK, I sent it to him - will post here if he replies - anyone else should, too.
Leonore - Thank you for your reply, I truly appreciate hearing the feedback. I couldn't agree more about the importance of the unflinching journalism that our audience expects of us. All the best to you, and sincere appreciation for your note.
Charlie Stadtlander
Director, External Communications, Newsroom
Great idea! Done!
I had given up on the NYT, a paper I had read for decades. So glad to read this!
Don't get too excited about the NYT. They still have not reported on Jamie Reed.
You were right. Today, on the "trans day of remembrance," NYT published an essay by Marci Bowers full of the lies that constantly get trotted out. No one can comment on it. Ugh.
Quoting garbage research.
I noticed that too.
I noticed on his linkedin that he posted a Safety and Security fellowship opportunity a day ago: "For any of my friends with a background in threats, security and staying safe both online and in meatspace...this is the opportunity for you. A one year fellowship supporting the safety and security of The New York Times's newsroom. Join us!" I wonder why....
wow, trans activists are not pursuing a winning strategy.
Excellent again!! Other concerned trans people - Aaron Kimberly, Aaron Terrell and Scott Newgent. Thanks for your continued amazing coverage, Lisa!!
Updated, thank you!
Beat me to it! Those are the ones I was going to suggest.
Thank you for continuing to speak up. I appreciate all the information in here and will use it to inform my own letter to the editors or The NY Times. I don't expect anything to be published; I just want to let them know some of us appreciate a broader view on this topic.
Lisa- will you (try to) submit this piece to the NYT? Thanks for another great essay!
Fantastic letter. This line made me LOL: "Einstein would have been shit out of luck." In the interests of diversifying their editorial perspective, I would also suggest that the NYT meet with writers who are detransitioners, such as Helena Kirschner.
Absolutely, yes. They need an op-ed by a detransitioner.
Yes! Detrans Awareness Day is coming March 12. Wouldn't it be nice in the NYT honored that by publishing an op-ed by a detransitioner.
Thank you for your allyship, Lisa.
Thank You
I appreciate your kind words. I concur that disagreements do not need to derail connections.
I want to sign this letter!
Leonore: I am reporting in. I got a very nice response from Mr. Stadtlander. Here's what he wrote: "Susan - Thank you for your reply, I truly appreciate hearing the feedback. I couldn't agree more about the importance of the unflinching journalism that our audience expects of us. All the best to you, and sincere appreciation for your note." This confirms to me, despite all odds, that praising folks for what they do right is a helpful thing to do, and one we don't do often enough.
Brava. So grateful for your deep knowledge, clear, articulate writing, and consistent courage. And, in this case, a bit of delightful humor into the bargain: “Imagine if Newton had claimed not only that there was no more to know about gravity, but that it was hateful to ask questions about it. Einstein would have been shit out of luck.” I stand with you, proudly, and with JK Rowling, and with all the magnificent women everywhere who are refusing to be silenced, including so many here. You give me hope--and sometimes, even a little bit of courage to speak out of my own! (PS: the Morgan never got back to me re the Izzard thing, but I did have a little better luck with the American Prospect on a young writer’s maiden voyage article supporting boycotting the Harry Potter video game🥳.)
Great column -- in substance and in tone. Of course I am deeply curious to see if the activists letter succeeds in limiting the NYTimes coverage. Obviously they succeeded after the whole Tom Cotton op-ed fiasco, in which the NYTimes distinguished itself with new levels pusillanimity and concessions to activists.
I agree entirely with this post. As long-time reader of the NYT, I have been appalled at the one-sided coverage. The actual lies that have been printed that fit the trans agenda, but when implemented cause permanent harm to children who lack the capacity to consent to medical procedures that will leave them damaged forever. Only very recently have I noticed the slight crack in the pro-trans rhetoric. The ignorance of the general public about the biological facts around mammalian reproduction have been frightening to behold. Physiology is not a "social construction" and wishes can't always come true.
Leftist overreach has finally pissed off the mama bears. Scotland is just the beginning.
Demanding evidence based support for kids and young people who identify as trans is not anti-trans!!!
It's supporting them?!
Giving people lies and drugs that might only harm, not help, is not "pro-trans".
The science? You've been reporting it. Many have. Reuters in great detail, too.
Yes! Distressed teens deserve evidence-based care, not to be treated like throwaways by surgeons and hospitals who want nothing to do with them after they've gotten paid. These kids are being exploited and discarded, not cared for.
And, as a therapist you walk a very fine line. If you refuse your patient a “letter of readiness” when they demand one, you risk losing them to an activist therapist who is happy to oblige. There is no assessment protocol to ensure “readiness” as there is for, say, bariatric surgery. The “readiness letter” does nothing other than cover the physician’s/surgeon’s ass. It does nothing to predict “success”, whatever that means. But try telling that to a dysregulated teen who wants her breasts gone.
I can tell you as a clinician that explaining to a teen who is hell bent on medicalizing that the evidence is not there to predict success is not for the weak hearted. The caustic rage that is usually reserved for their parents suddenly gets turned on you, and they will most likely terminate therapy. This is why we need journalists and medical professionals to continue pushing the truth into the public realm.
this is partly the problem of religion reducing science literacy
and partly the patients running the asylum that profits from perpetual patients
but no one should pretend body parts grow back and that gender id is other than voluntary eugenics.
Absolutely. It goes against all they've heard. And mentioning detransition raises the fear they'll be cast out from the community that supports them.
Because several experts are, bluntly out, lying.
Check out affirmation generation!!!
Lisa you are brilliant in that movie and in this essay, as usual.
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing that. I had no idea.
adults should not tell children they can choose body parts
humans are starfish nor clownfish. we do not regrow limbs or other body parts.
teens are at the greatest risk of peer pressure and lowest self esteem
and children - as well as teens have zero agency against adults
who need to know better and do better than this
But today the NYT published this op-ed by Megan Stack: When Parents Hear That Their Child ‘Is Not Normal and Should Not Exist’ Was this one of the writers who attacked other writers? I would love to see the paper publish a response, something like "When Parents Hear That Their Child ‘Is Not Normal and Must be Sterilized and Amputated’."
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/18/opinion/trans-gender-missouri.html
It’s like a game of tic tac toe...
Jonathan Chait nailed the Times letter and the sentiment behind it pretty well. I have a feeling that people like Lisa and Jesse Singal have finally had an effect on NY Magazine --
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/02/nytimes-letter-trans-gender-youth-accountability.html
being pro woman is no more anti-trans than it was anti-men. Women are objective reality. Women fearing being women is on men and men self iding as women are denying women ordinary human senses. Cotton Ceiling is the best argument against gender id