Journalist John Colapinto on the Tragic Tale of David Reimer, The Boy Who Was Raised a Girl

Quillette associate editor Iona Italia interviews journalist John Colapinto, whose book "As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl" chronicles the life of David Reimer, a Canadian man who was born as Bruce Reimer and subjected to a controversial and ultimately unsuccessful gender-reassignment following a botched circumcision. The book delves into the psychological, ethical, and medical complexities of David's life, from the surgical accident and subsequent interventions to his struggle with his gender identity. It also serves as a critique of Dr. John Money's theories on gender plasticity and the ethics of imposing a gender identity on a child unable to provide informed consent. Colapinto interviews various people involved in the case, including David Reimer himself, his family, and professionals who later questioned Money's work. The book paints a detailed picture of the Reimer family's ordeal, David's internal struggles, and the professional controversies that the case stirred up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Quillette Podcast is a platform for rigorous, academic discussions rooted in common sense and free inquiry. Non-dogmatic and grounded in liberal values, the podcast serves as a beacon for thoughtful conversation on science, politics, philosophy, and culture. Quillette prides itself on intellectual honesty, avoiding ideological extremism in favor of evidence-based reasoning and progress. Hosted by leading voices in academia and journalism, past guests include evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, and journalist Douglas Murray, among others. Expect candid conversations that promote common sense and challenge anti-science and conspiratorial narratives from both the far left and right.