98. Trans to Detrans: A Graphic Novel Journey from Self-Hate to Self-Compassion, with Nicolas Blooms

In this episode, I sit down with Nicolas Blooms, a detransitioner, artist, and creator of a unique graphic novel. Nicolas shares his profound journey of detransitioning, delving into the spiritual and emotional aspects of reclaiming his sense of self and finding a sustainable, embodied way of living. I explain my current model of how gender dysphoria changes over time along the spectrum between ego-syntonic and ego-dystonic — a key piece of psychological insight missing from the current culture wars over the treatment of gender-distressed youth — and we compare my hypothesis with Nicolas’ lived experience. Together, we explore the transformative powers of mentorship, mindfulness, and self-acceptance, touching on the deep wounds of childhood and the impact of societal pressures on identity. But what led Nicholas to create a detransition graphic novel, unlike anything seen before? How did a chance encounter with a mentor spark a journey of healing and self-discovery? And what role did gender ideology play in Nicolas's struggle with self-hatred and body dysmorphia? Tune in to uncover the answers and join us on a heartfelt exploration of resilience, growth, and the power of embracing one's true self. Nicolas Blooms is a Detransitioner, Gender Shaman, and ArtSoulogist. He is full of fruity passion to create ways for people to spark the deeper magical wisdom within their hearts. While training as a life coach to guide Detransitioners and gender confused individuals, he also co-creates a children’s book series, You Can’t Steal My Smile, with his friend Kim O, a Relational Soul Coach (from episode 80!), to empower children to root in their inner resilience. Witness his liberating journey to self-love and remembering his Soul by soaking in his graphic novel: Trans to Detrans: A Soul Solution. It’s totally possible to heal gender dysphoria and any other mental dis-ease! Find Nicolas Blooms: linktr.ee/nicolasblooms Instagram:   / nicolasblooms   Youtube: ‪@NicolasFlowersReal‬ Books mentioned in this episode: Trans to Detrans: A Soul Solution https://amzn.to/3uQCKNg Saguaro Soul children's book series - Nicolas Blooms and Kim O I Want Prickles Too! https://amzn.to/3OPZN1y Roe the Rabbit Lost His Happy Hop https://amzn.to/3wrzSaf All books mentioned on this podcast can be found at https://sometherapist.com/bookshop or by following the Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for purchases that support the show. {{chapters}} 00:00 Start [00:01:41] Detransition graphic novel creation. [00:06:16] Mentorship and spirituality. [00:10:50] Mentorship and self-transformation. [00:13:36] Rejecting masculinity and identity. [00:19:30] Gender identity exploration. [00:22:39] War with self-image. [00:25:27] Gender transition and family support. [00:31:25] Emotional expression and self-identity. [00:35:26] Cultural challenges and self-identity. [00:39:26] Overcoming childhood bullying trauma. [00:44:20] Battle with body image. [00:46:48] The power of hope. [00:51:54] Gender euphoria and emotional instability. [00:54:48] Gender dysphoria and self-expression. [01:02:06] Inner conflict and self-discovery. [01:06:18] Gender ideology as a virus. [01:07:01] Healing within family systems. [01:12:48] Ego dystonic and ego syntonic. [01:14:33] Gender dysphoria progression. [01:19:21] Overcoming gender dysphoria. [01:23:14] Stories of victory and resolution. Learn more about Do No Harm at https://donoharmmedicine.org/somether... Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at https://www.eightsleep.com/ Take 20% off superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at http://organifi.com/sometherapist Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Bookshop: https://www.sometherapist.com/bookshop Wellness Products: https://www.sometherapist.com/shop-we... Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI. https://www.swellai.com/?via=somether... Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission. https://www.joeypecoraro.com/ Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration. https://nowaybackfilm.com/ Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. https://somekindoftherapist.locals.com