In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Maria Keffler on her book Desist, Detrans & Detox: Getting Your Child Out of the Gender Cult (November 25, 2024)

In this actionable analysis of one of the most damaging movements of the modern age, renowned author Maria Keffler makes a compelling case that what lies at the core of the transgender phenomenon is a crisis of identity, and that only a loving but firm reality check can staunch the hysteria.Keffler makes unassailable arguments: Maleness and femaleness are immutable biological facts. Masculinity and femininity are personality constructs, conditioned by societal norms.But “gender,” the term favored by activists, has no solid definition. The language introduced by gender ideology is entirely subjective, which allows emotions to redefine reality. The very premise of the ideology is flawed and requires mental gymnastics of its adherents.Keffler outlines the disturbing parallels between cults and gender ideology: recruitment tactics that prey upon insecurities, indoctrination in nonsensical beliefs that must never be questioned, requirements to shun nonbelievers, and in-group newspeak which cultivates a sense of belonging.She exposes the cult of gender ideology with journalistic detail, digging into aspects the mainstream media chooses to ignore. She investigates:

• The origins of modern gender ideology in the 1960s 
• How the obsession to “affirm” gender identity leads to medical negligence in overlooking mental health issues
• The role of bullying and peer pressure in the gender cult
• The rapidly growing community of detransitioners and their insightful firsthand testimonies

Keffler also provides a manual for parenting children during the time they are most vulnerable to predatory gender activism. She instructs parents in navigating this brave new world, including discerning fact from fiction, setting boundaries regarding names and pronouns, how to find a trustworthy therapist, and how to determine what vulnerabilities led the child to the gender cult in the first place.The book includes an abundance of resources for parents whose children are currently in the throes of or recovering from gender dysphoria. Central to her approach is unconditional love and forgiveness, with a focus on moving forward together.Packed with statistical data, reasoned arguments, and practical advice, Desist, Detrans, and Detox equips readers to prevent, work through, and heal from the “medical scandal of the 21st century.”

Desist, Detrans & Detox - Sophia Institute Press