34 Comments
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

As always, Ritchie, I'm admiring your clarity and the power of what you say. Thank you. I'm so glad you do speak out but I don't (I hope) underestimate the toll it takes, although obviously I can never really know what it is like to be you. Sending you a ton of appreciation.

Expand full comment

Thank you for refusing to be a perpetual victim; what has happened to you does not define you. Do what you need to do to help yourself go forward in life, and to hell with those who still try and put you in their little box of definitions.

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

You're on a hero's quest....it's not a victim script. I'm so glad you called it out.

Yes, there is adversity, horrible horrible adversity, and.... triumph. Overcoming.

That is why you are a hero, because you are growing and fighting and helping and teaching.

The word isn't used as much lately as it should be, but it surely belongs to you. That's how you should see yourself, I think. But of course you don't need anyone to define you :), you don't need definitions :).

Please go do what you need to do next to grow and go forward, we're behind you with love, admiration and gratitude. Go for it!

Thank you!! Thank you thank you thank you!

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

Hi Ritchie I love your writing. It’s not too personal or emotional. You bring me into your world and that is accomplished work

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

You’ve got such an admirable character. Showing all sorts of people that bad shit doesn’t have to define us as well as helping others to avoid the same consequences you deal with. If you’d been around a decade ago, you’d have helped you. Be assured, you’re definitely helping others. Thanks Ritchie. And btw love your cats. X

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

Powerful essay. Thank you. 🙏🏼

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

Tremendous respect and admiration for you, Ritchie. Your talent for speaking and writing is superb. I hope you will keep nurturing it that your voice and your thoughts be heard and understood widely. The difference you are making is profound. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

Ritchie is well spoken and brings the right amount of raw into this living nightmare. As a mom of an adult son currently transitioning, I gain hope and insight by your writings . You are brave and strong Ritchie. This must take a toll on you , your privacy , your moving forward with life, but we all appreciate you far more than we can say . Thank you for your work . The world needs to hear your voice .

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

As always carefully thoughts words from the heart. Thank you for speaking for those who are afraid to.

Expand full comment

Thank you for naming the “I told you so type.” (Expect to find them in your own family.)

To me, they are worse than the trans activists. It is easier to pity the insane and misguided, than it is to pity a judgmental prick with no skin in the game.

Expand full comment
Aug 15Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

I am so, so proud of you, Mr. Herron! Just in, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons just put out a statement saying "not so fast" about the surgeries on minors. After all, they don't do extensive consulting with the patient, they're surgeons! And they face the malpractice lawsuits. This isn't the whole house of cards falling, but an edifice is coming down. I suggest that detransition services recognize the mind/body disconnect the patient has been groomed and recruited into, providing resources for physical therapy and spirit strengthening modes such as gardening, birdwatching, connections to nature. I'm so glad about the interview with Andrew Gold. It was a tour de force, and your candor was remarkable. ooxoo, Ute Heggen

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

Dealing with the media is a skill. It’s worth learning and it’s hard- it makes lots of people anxious. Thanks for sharing your feelings.

Congratulations on what you’ve done and you’re doing to help others.

I’m wondering what you are finding /going to find to do with all that you’ve learned.

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

Your style is so readable and reaches out to all who want to learn more about this. I am currently helping my daughter to work her way through this, although she is not at the surgery point in her journey. I think I’ve managed to slow her down with the support and help of people like you, and I’m a little sad that there is no way I can ever tell you personally how much that means to me, or in time, hopefully to my daughter. Sharing your journey is so compassionate, and I can never thank you enough for helping me to understand what people with GD are going through. To begin with I am ashamed to say that I thought it would ‘all blow over’ and that she would ‘grow out of it’ but I came to realise that this wasn’t likely without some kind of knowledgable intervention. I became isolated for a time, but have got to grips with it now.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Brian, I'm trying to be clear and concise as possible, so I appreciate that feedback. I would recommend you build your strength, be confident, have self esteem and patience, and it will rub off. You got this <3

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

I love it Ritchie <3 you are such a talented writer. I am honored to be one of the ones who holds you up. You are worthy. Sending love and hugs from New Mexico <3

Expand full comment
Aug 15Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

As a struggling parent with a son who wants to be a girl, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you for all you are doing and have done. 💓

Expand full comment
Aug 14Liked by @TullipR / Ritchie

Thank you Ritchie, that's a powerful message! Your honesty and clarity is helping to open people's eyes to the effects of this ideology on a person's life. Your words will help many. And you are loved and valued ❤️

Expand full comment