Some days I listen to local sports talk radio during my commute, especially if the Patriots or Red Sox are in the playoffs. So, when I answered the phone last week for what I thought was going to be a routine interview on the Counseling Ban, I was surprised to recognize the voice of former WEEI host Kirk Minihane on the other end of the line. What I hadn’t realized is that the wildly popular, but controversial, radio host was ousted from his former show late last year, in part because of his questioning of whether children should be given cross-sex hormones. He reaches his audience now through his podcast, which covers a lot more than just sports. In our wide-ranging interview, we talked not only about the Counseling Ban, but got into questions about what happens when you die and when Jesus is coming back. (And those were the ‘easy’ questions!) Kirk, who is not a believer, even gave me the opportunity to pray for him on the show. I typically have to operate in sound-bytes when I speak to the media, regardless of how complex the issue may be, so I enjoyed this genuine, and a little bit off-the-wall, back and forth with Kirk. It also drove home for me the Scriptural admonition to “always be prepared to give an answer…” 1 Peter 3:15.
This interview is evidence that a wide-range of people do NOT agree with what is being aggressively pushed by trans-activism, including new laws like the Counseling Ban. As Kirk made clear, he and I don’t agree on a lot (although that didn’t prevent us from having a civil conversation), but we DO agree that kids shouldn’t be forced into chemical or surgical ‘transitions.’ Just yesterday, the Federalist published an article by a self-proclaimed “feminist, pro-gay mother“ who is speaking out against bans on ‘conversion therapy.’ This mom, whose daughter struggled with gender identity, wrote:
“When my daughter came out as transgender, I wanted to find a therapist who could help her sort out what her gender dysphoria meant. Was she transgender, or was she ashamed of same-sex attraction, reacting to trauma, wanting respect, uncomfortable with feminine stereotypes, or had she internalized hate for women’s bodies?
I quickly discovered that it is nearly impossible to find therapists who do this kind of work. If a girl presents as transgender today, the vast majority of therapists will immediately affirm the girl’s declared gender identity and ask her what steps she would like to take toward transition…
What the general public does not understand is that standard mental health therapy is now considered conversion therapy when practiced with gender-dysphoric youth.”
Part of MFI’s mission, at this point, is to help educate the public about what parents and their children are currently facing when a minor is struggling with gender identity. I also have the unique privilege of not having to worry about losing a medical license or a radio contract for speaking the truth on this or any other controversial issue. Your generous support makes this possible. Thank you!
On the pro-life front, I was very happy to see the Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts put out a statement opposing the ROE Act recently, and urging “all people of good will, regardless of what faith they practice, to vigorously oppose these extreme measures.” This, combined with Governor Baker’s initial opposition to the bill is an encouraging sign. This is gearing up to be a big fight, and rest assured we are preparing for it in cooperation with the entire pro-life movement in the Commonwealth.
Finally, I pray that you and your family have a peaceful and blessed Easter this Sunday, and have an opportunity to focus on our true, eternal hope as we move through Holy Week.
For our families,
