Tess Hackett never imagined that raising her kids would one day put her at the center of a cultural firestorm. A devoted Perth mother of two, she lived what many would call a “normal” life, school drop-offs, birthday parties, and weekend canteen duty. But in 2016, that ordinary life took an extraordinary turn.
Her daughter, once close and thriving, began to change. The reasons were complex, but the catalyst was undeniable: the growing influence of gender ideology in schools and youth culture. What started as unfamiliar language and new pronouns evolved into something more alarming, medical advice offered in under 30 minutes, institutional silence around sexual assault, and wellness programs that sidelined parents in favor of ideology.
In a deeply candid conversation on The One Thing podcast, Tess shared the harrowing details of how her daughter was groomed, assaulted, and left unsupported by those meant to protect her. The pain in her voice was unmistakable, but so was her resolve. “I didn’t even know what this was,” she said, “and suddenly, we were living in it.”
What Is Gender Ideology—and Why Are Parents Concerned?
At its core, gender ideology posits that a person’s gender is not necessarily tied to their biological sex, but is fluid and self-defined. While some see this as progressive, Tess and countless other parents have watched its real-life implications unfold in ways that feel anything but liberating.
- Children being encouraged to “experiment” sexually in schools
- Psychological support replaced with instant affirmation
- Medical transitions offered to minors without long-term oversight
- Parents legally penalized for hesitating or questioning the process
As Tess describes, the shift hasn’t just been social or cultural, it’s systemic. From changes in educational materials to legislation allowing self-ID on birth certificates, she paints a picture of a system that increasingly views parental involvement as optional, or worse, obstructive.
A Community of Support, Not Silence
What began as one family’s painful experience has now grown into a movement of awareness and support. Tess co-founded a parent support group, offering resources and solidarity to others who find themselves in the same disorienting “Alice in Wonderland” world.
“People say this has always been around,” she notes, “but how is it that parents in Italy, Sweden, Israel, and Hong Kong are telling me their kids are saying the same exact sentences? This is not organic. This is not normal confusion. This is scripted.”
The Bigger Picture
The conversation doesn’t end with education. The episode explores the political, medical, and even corporate forces that sustain the momentum of gender ideology. But the heart of the story is personal, one parent, one family, trying to make sense of a world that changed too fast and offered too few answers.
Tess’s message is clear: this isn’t about hate, politics, or division. It’s about the right to ask questions, to protect children, and to bring compassion, caution, and common sense back into the conversation.If you’re a parent, educator, or concerned citizen, you’ll want to hear the full story.
🎧 Watch the full episode here:
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