I’m so excited to share this interview with Jessie Mannisto, founder and editor-in-chief at Third Factor magazine. In it we talk about the Theory of Positive Disintegration (which I reference often in my writing, some examples: here and here) and how it applies to our trans-IDed kids and possibly to ourselves. In this conversation, Jessie briefly defines positive disintegration and some of its components, and I describe how discovering TPD was a game-changer that offered a framework of healing and self-discovery. Viewing the agony and confusion through this “positive frame” helped me to accept not only my daughter’s journey, but my own, giving me new tools to navigate this painful phase of motherhood.
TPD heavily influences the work I do with my clients: parents of transID-ed kids who are seeking to have a different experience than the outrage and desperation that is wrecking so many lives. I have such gratitude for Jessie’s interest in the topic of Where Intensity and Gender Dysphoria Meet, and that she’s bravely stood her ground to support families dealing with ROGD, even dedicating an entire issue of her magazine to the experience of intensity and gender dysphoria. (Issue 17: Gender for Uncommon People.)
We mention several times, Laura at funklife.substack.com and Helena at Prude Posting; both incredibly courageous detransitioners who are stunning examples of what positive disintegration can look like.
We had limited time since Jessie was a guest at the monthly support group I co-lead, and we wanted to have time for questions from the group members but I think we pack in some great content! The recording was only on during my conversation with Jessie to protect the anonymity of the group members.
Butterflies Becoming