When I think back to our October 2021 conversation with Helena, I remember how powerfully personal and raw that episode was. It marked a shift—from broader cultural questions to something much more intimate. Helena opened up about her experience in a way that still stays with me.
She spoke with such clarity and vulnerability about how her desire to transition wasn’t just about gender—it was deeply rooted in a longing for connection, particularly with her parents. Her reflections on trying to elicit care and recognition, and the devastating silence she encountered in return, were heartbreaking. One of the moments that really stuck with me was when she told us about writing a coming-out letter… only to find it tossed in the kitchen trash days later.
That kind of dismissal pushed her further toward medical intervention. She was so convincing, she shared, that clinicians fast-tracked her access to testosterone—no blood work, just high doses right away. Looking back, she recognized how troubling that was.
But what made the episode truly meaningful was Helena’s courage in offering guidance. Despite everything, she wanted to help other families do better. She talked about what kinds of reactions could have made a difference—how parents can listen more, stay calm, and open up emotionally instead of reacting with fear or detachment.
It was a tough conversation, but an incredibly important one. Even now, it stands out as one of the most emotionally honest explorations of family dynamics, transition, and healing that we’ve ever had on the show.
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