A trove of diverse stories documenting medical misogyny & gaslighting across the lifespan, from childhood to our elders.The final manuscript will empower & educate via the power of story, evidence-based research & expert opinion.

HAVE YOU…* Despite a definitive diagnosis, doubted your experience of pain or illness due to the words or in/actions of a medical professional?* Tried to be ‘the perfect patient’ simply to be heard?* Feared your pain or symptoms aren’t 'bad enough', even minutes before necessary/emergency surgery? (I have!)* Felt like a ‘bad’ or negative or person due to illness/pain, causing you withdraw socially?* Suffered mental illness as a result of medical gaslighting?* Felt shame, embarrassment or isolation given health or symptoms - even among close friends & family?

Hi, I'm Christiane.
I'm a qualified lawyer, researcher, social worker & writer based in Melbourne, Australia.I'm 46 & undergone 30+ surgeries, many of which could have been avoided but for entrenched cultures of medical gaslighting & misogyny.I was a guest on The Louise Newson podcast in 2025 exploring these issues alongside the lived experience of solo IVF, endo, PMDD & hysterectomy at 42.I’m a proud solo Mum by choice via IVF to my awesome 8 year old son.

The Why…

Women’s suffering & endemic misogyny has been normalised within the healthcare system.The stories of two ordinary women told on a podcast on the other side of the world & their near identical suffering & experiences - were a revelation.Their stories gave me power.What I thought was a personal, unique experience of gaslighting & grief mirrored theirs.TILSAG aims to validate your experience & prevent other women suffering the way we have.

Please share your story via email or online form belowFor further reading, see links to published articles

Research alone can dehumanise the lived experience & limit access to health information for many people.This project is different. It aims to capture hearts and minds through strory, enabling deeper, more powerful understanding & advocacy.History has shown the fundamental importance of storytelling. Shared stories can be life changing.

NOTE

TILSAG is NOT critiquing individuals or certain specialities of the medical profession.Many health professionals experience appalling misogyny throughout their careers.TILSAG explores a culture of misogyny - not the majority of health professionals who work tirelessly to heal, not harm.My story includes one of these professionals - whose deep humanity & expertise is reshaping a dislocated identity alongside rebuilding a broken body.They know who they are.

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I live - the Wurundjeri People - & pay respect to their Elders, past present & emerging. I recognise that sovereignty was never ceded