In a recent episode of the “Bialik Breakdown” podcast, comedian Rosie O’Donnell opened up about a conversation she had with her daughter regarding gender identity. O’Donnell, known for her successful career in comedy and television, shared her experiences with actress Mayim Bialik, shedding light on a topic that has become increasingly prevalent in today’s society.
During the conversation, O’Donnell’s daughter mentioned that her stuffed animals were “non-binary,” a term used to describe individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. O’Donnell responded with openness and acceptance, recounting her own childhood as a self-proclaimed tomboy who enjoyed what society often considered “boy stuff.” She mentioned her love for football and riding motorcycles, activities traditionally associated with boys.
Importantly, O’Donnell highlighted that despite her interests aligning with what is often seen as “boy stuff,” she never experienced confusion about her gender identity. From an early age, she knew she was a girl and embraced being a girl. O’Donnell emphasized to her daughter that one can be a girl and still have varied interests or feelings, stressing the importance of self-discovery and acceptance.
“I said, well that’s fantastic,” she said she told her daughter. “You know what’s funny is that I’m a girl who people used to call a tomboy because I liked all the boy stuff when I was little. And you know what’s weird? I still do really like the boy stuff. I like football, I like riding a motorcycle. I like to do a lot of stuff that boys traditionally like to do.”
“But you know what else? Never was confused about thinking if I was a boy or a girl. Always knew I was a girl and loved being a girl. So you can be a girl and feel any way you want or you can figure out what it is,” she continued.
Critics of gender ideology express concerns that girls who would have once been labeled as tomboys are now automatically assumed to be transgender. This assumption, they argue, can lead to potentially harmful medical interventions, such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries, which they believe should be reserved for cases of genuine gender dysphoria.
Parents often cite their child’s preference for activities typically associated with the opposite gender as an indicator of transgender identity. However, it is essential to approach these situations with care and ensure that children have the space to explore their interests without immediately attaching a gender identity label.
The conversation surrounding gender identity has become increasingly complex, with societal attitudes shifting and more young people exploring new gender identities. As of last year, an estimated 300,000 minors aged 13 to 17 identified as transgender. Simultaneously, there has been a concerning rise in the number of elective gender-related surgeries, such as double mastectomies, performed on teenagers as young as 12.
TRAs are now accusing Rosie O’Donnell of being phobic for saying this … 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/5R578aC3TU
— andrea (@annndreeaaaaa) May 24, 2023
