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  • Time to Think

  • The Inside Story of the Collapse of the Tavistock’s Gender Service for Children
  • Written by: Hannah Barnes
  • Narrated by: Hannah Barnes
  • Length: 17 hrs and 53 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (16 ratings)

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Time to Think cover art

Time to Think

Written by: Hannah Barnes
Narrated by: Hannah Barnes
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Publisher's Summary

UPDATED WITH A NEW CHAPTER

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION

SHORTLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL WRITING

'This is what journalism is for' - Observer

Time to Think goes behind the headlines to reveal the truth about the NHS's flagship gender service for children.

The Tavistock's Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) was set up initially to provide talking therapies to young people who were questioning their gender identity.

But in the last decade GIDS referred around two thousand children, some as young as nine years old, for medication to block their puberty. In the same period, the number of referrals exploded and the profile of the patients changed: from largely pre-pubescent boys to mostly adolescent girls, who were often contending with other difficulties. Was there enough clinical evidence to justify such profound medical interventions?

This urgent, scrupulous and dramatic book explains how GIDS has been the site of a serious medical scandal, in which ideological concerns took priority over clinical practice. It is a disturbing and gripping parable for our times.
©2023 Hannah Barnes (P)2023 Swift Press Audio

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Very insighful

Provides important insights into the failing of the Tavistock Gender Service. Utilizes excellent sources supported by interview material. Recommended

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Excellent overview

Such a good, open and honest discussion about what happened. Should be read by all therapists working with gender diverse children.

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Excellent book

Very well researched and written, with no judgement or bias. Thank you to the author and publisher for having the courage to write and publish this book.

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Time to Question

Trans issues are a major political topic right now. I'm very much in support of trans rights and think it's disgusting how the political right are using them in conspiracies to deflect from real issues, for which they have no plan or even interest in many cases. However, I also believe that many young people are seeing it as a new trendy thing to be in this age of social media that encourages both narcissism and victimhood. This is resulting in life-affecting medical decisions being made that are often not in their best interests.

Through the lens of the troubles at one British institution's gender center, this book attempts to lay out the dangers of this trend, how large sections of the medical establishment are complicit in it, and the real dangers this can pose to young people who are choosing to transition at a time in their lives when they aren't fully mentally developed and are often making the choice out of social pressure, not a true desire to be another gender. It shows what happens when ideologues take over science and medicine, where the concept of it are twisted to suit a social agenda and not one that is in the interests of patients.

The small and closed minded will simply see this as transphobic propaganda, but while it lays out what is indeed a distressing series of events, it doesn't specifically pass judgement. This book is written by an actual journalist who is trying to document what happened, more than editorialize it. It's clear what her position is, but that's not what's driving her writing.

Even if you believe very young people should be allowed to transition at their discretion, this is worth reading to have all perspectives in your mental toolbox on the issue.

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DEVASTATING

This should be required reading for all those believing in ‘affirmative care’ which continues well beyond the Tavistock.

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Chilling but essential to read

This book could easily have been a gripping work of fiction, depicting experts swayed by activists and societal pressures to turn a blind eye to what they know is right. How I wish that were the case, as I sit here pondering the chilling reality the author has laid bare. It's a narrative of fear stifling voices, unwarranted trust in senior figures discouraging deeper inquiry, and a deluge of clients raising flags about the applicability of treatments designed for entirely different demographics. AND the blatant homophobia, reminiscent of the governmentally funded transitioning programs in countries like Iran, where I come from. The stark reality depicted within these pages should stand as a solemn reminder to every advocate for social justice about the dangers of pressuring individuals to bypass due diligence in their profession in fear of being canceled. My This is essential reading for anyone striving to do better in face of the intricate challenges and risks inherent in our quest for inclusivity and tolerance.

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