Reflection from Day 1 at the Genspect Conference in Lisbon
Being at the Genspect conference today felt exhilarating—to be uncensored and free to engage thoughtfully with the many challenges faced today regarding gender ideology. A home coming to a place of sanity which has felt incredibly nourishing.
One of my main takeaways from today was the parallel linking of transgender ideology and its many tentacles as being akin to a cult. This is not meant as an offhanded or offensive slur directed at a movement (one that I believe is anti-woman to begin with) but rather as an observation of its cult characteristics. I have heard fellow radical feminists refer to the "Trans Cult" before, but I never really looked deeply at what that means and how this vantage point can help me in my own work. Upon reflection, transgender ideology, which is clearly impacting our youth and broader communities, does exhibit all of those characteristics found in cults. Furthermore I will pursue dialogue with those who are in the transgender ideology cult from this vantage point, knowing that it will be a slow undoing from the indoctrination.
Characteristics of a cult and how they overlay with transgender ideology and cult behavior.
Authoritarian Leadership Gender ideology is associated with political leaders and activists who define the narrative. These figures are regarded as authoritative voices not to be questioned, and their guidance is followed by professionals, media, and institutions. Figures like Judith Butler or Laverne Cox set the stage and tone for gender theory and transgender advocacy. The largest contributor to this authoritarian viewpoint in the US is the government, the American Psychological Association, and other professional medical associations, which follow WPATH’s negligent guidelines blindly.
Exclusive Beliefs Gender ideology promotes exclusive beliefs about gender, such as rejecting biological reality or the Orwellian belief that “sex itself” is a social construct, or that gender is ever-expanding like the universe (see the Gender Wiki). These beliefs are often presented as the only valid understanding of human identity, and those who question them are immediately labeled as transphobic or bigoted. The belief that one can self-identify into any sex, regardless of biological reality, is treated as an absolute truth.
Us vs. Them Mentality Gender activism creates a division between those who "support trans rights" and those who don't, with all conversation and concerns being dismissed as “harmful” and dissenters demonized. Professionals like counselors, teachers, and doctors are expected to affirm gender identity and promote the ideology without question. Slurs like "TERF" (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) are used to villainize, marginalize and promote violence towards those who challenge gender ideology. Parents and professionals who question trans ideology are ostracized, doxxed, lose jobs, or get canceled. Worse, some children are adopted by “glitter families,” aka affirming friends and relatives.
Isolation Children, teens, or even adults who adopt gender ideology are encouraged to become isolated from family members who disagree. Parents report feeling alienated or pressured to support gender transitions out of fear of being legally charged or labeled as abusive or neglectful. There are cases where parents lose custody battles for refusing to affirm a child's gender identity, and it's common for schools to counsel children on gender issues without parental knowledge.
Exploitation and Control Medical professionals and educators exploit vulnerable individuals and their families by pushing them into irreversible medical treatments (hormones, surgeries) without adequate exploration of underlying psychological issues. Questioning or exploring other options is often discouraged, and immediate affirmation is expected. “Would you rather have a living son or a dead daughter?” is a manipulative expression used to coerce parents into accepting the false reality of the “trans child.” Professionals are expected to affirm a patient's gender identity without further questioning, which could be viewed as a form of control or coercion.
Manipulation and Indoctrination Gender ideology is being taught globally in schools and workplaces in a way that amounts to indoctrination. Children are introduced to concepts of gender fluidity and encouraged to question their identity at a very young age, as early as preschool.
Suppression of Dissent
* See below a more extensive list of LAWS that are surpassing Dissent.
Dissenting voices, particularly those of professionals or parents who challenge gender ideology, are often silenced or punished. Therapists or doctors who refuse to affirm a client’s gender identity without further exploration might risk losing their license or facing professional repercussions. Public figures like J.K. Rowling, who have expressed concerns about gender ideology, have faced significant backlash, including being de-platformed or labeled as hateful.
Totalistic Worldview Gender ideology promotes a totalistic worldview that involves seeing gender as the primary lens through which all personal identity and social interactions are viewed. This leaves no room for alternative perspectives, such as those emphasizing biological sex reality. We now live in a world where pronouns are on name tags at work, and we speak our pronouns before introducing ourselves.
Dependency Many trans-identified individuals become dependent on hormones, puberty blockers, surgeries, and other medical interventions to maintain their trans identity for life. They are also dependent on the affirmation of their gender identity by professionals, friends, and communities. Social media and online communities amplify this dependency, encouraging individuals to base their self-worth on their gender identity and transition process. Regardless of whether one medicalizes or not, they still become dependent on the community for kinship and connection.
Fear of Leaving Individuals who question their decision to transition or who desist or detransition have reported that they often feel extreme pressure not to leave the ideology. They might fear ostracism, judgment, or abandonment if they express regret or desire to return to their biological identity. Detransitioners specifically often report being vilified or dismissed by the same professionals and communities that once affirmed them. There is also a fear of leaving for those adjacent to the trans ideology as an “ally.” I stayed aligned with the trans ideology because I knew that speaking any critical view would immediately ostracize me from my queer and liberal community—and it did.
Rituals and Secrets Many aspects of gender ideology are introduced to children and teens without parental knowledge or consent, such as school policies that allow students to transition socially without informing parents. Schools encouraging children to explore different pronouns and gender identities privately, or counseling sessions that don’t disclose discussions of gender transition to parents, could be seen as examples of secrecy. Students are also given or obtain items like tucking underwear, breast binders, packing (fake flaccid penises), and even hormones in secret from parents and caretakers.
Uniformity of Thought Unquestioning acceptance of gender ideology is already made mandatory in many educational and professional settings. Dissent is discouraged, and everyone is expected to adhere to specific beliefs and practices regarding gender identity. If you do not, you may be expelled, lose your job, or be publicly shamed.
“Suppression of Dissent”: Laws Globally
Global Laws and Legal Challenges
Canada:
Bill C-16 (2017) amended the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code to include gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination and added them to hate speech provisions. Those who express gender-critical views, refuse to use preferred pronouns, or oppose gender self-identification may face civil or criminal penalties under this law.
United Kingdom:
The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment, making it unlawful to refuse service or otherwise discriminate against trans individuals. Hate speech laws such as the Public Order Act 1986 have been interpreted to penalize individuals who publicly express gender-critical views if those views are deemed offensive or hateful.
In Scotland, The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 includes protections for gender identity and expression, making it an offense to engage in conduct that stirs up hatred based on transgender identity.
Ireland:
The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2023 includes protections for gender identity and makes it a criminal offense to incite violence or hatred against individuals based on their gender identity. This law allows for the prosecution of individuals whose speech or behavior is seen as harmful to transgender people.
Australia:
In the state of Tasmania, anti-discrimination laws include gender identity protections, making it unlawful to offend, insult, or humiliate individuals based on gender identity.
Victoria’sChange or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021 criminalizes attempts to suppress or change a person's gender identity, which critics argue could be used to penalize individuals who challenge or question someone's transition.
New South Wales also includes protections for gender identity in its Anti-Discrimination Act, and other states have similar legislation criminalizing discrimination and hate speech based on gender identity.
Norway:
In 2020, Norway updated its Penal Code to include transgender identity in its hate speech provisions. Public expressions of hate speech against transgender individuals can result in fines or imprisonment of up to three years for serious offenses.
Sweden:
The Swedish Penal Code prohibits hate speech against transgender individuals, with penalties including fines or imprisonment. Sweden's hate speech laws have been interpreted to include gender identity and expression as protected categories.
New Zealand:
The Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. Proposed changes to New Zealand's hate speech laws would further strengthen protections for transgender individuals, making public expressions of gender-critical views potentially subject to legal penalties.
Germany:
Section 130 of the German Criminal Code penalizes hate speech and incitement to hatred, including that which targets individuals based on gender identity. The General Equal Treatment Act (2006) also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and German courts have interpreted these provisions to include protection from public criticism or denials of gender identity.
France:
France’s Penal Code includes provisions against hate speech and discrimination based on gender identity. Under the Loi Avia (2020), which regulates hate speech on the internet, platforms are required to remove content deemed discriminatory or hateful against transgender individuals, or they face fines.
Spain:
Spain’s LGBTI Rights Law (2021) makes it illegal to discriminate based on gender identity. Hate speech laws are also enforced to protect transgender individuals, and those who express gender-critical views risk civil or criminal penalties.
Belgium:
The Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or expression. Public expressions deemed as inciting hatred or violence against transgender individuals can be prosecuted under Belgium's hate speech laws.
The Netherlands:
Dutch Penal Code includes hate speech laws that protect individuals based on gender identity. Expressions that insult or incite violence against transgender people can lead to criminal prosecution and civil fines.
Norway:
In 2020, Norwegian Penal Code amendments were introduced to include protections for gender identity under hate speech laws, making hate speech or discrimination against transgender individuals a punishable offense with fines or imprisonment.
Austria:
Austrian law protects against discrimination based on gender identity under the Equal Treatment Act. Hate speech laws are enforced to penalize public expressions deemed harmful or discriminatory to transgender people.
Denmark:
Denmark’s Penal Code includes provisions against hate speech based on gender identity. Danish courts have used these laws to prosecute individuals who express harmful views toward transgender individuals.
Finland:
Finland has hate speech laws that include protections for transgender people. Public expressions of hatred or incitement to violence based on gender identity can lead to fines or imprisonment.
Argentina:
Argentina's Gender Identity Law (2012), one of the most progressive in the world, guarantees the right to self-identify and prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. Individuals who express views against gender self-identification may face legal penalties for discrimination or incitement.
Mexico:
Various states in Mexico, such as Mexico City, have enacted hate crime laws that include gender identity as a protected category. Public expressions of gender-critical views can be penalized under these laws.
United States: See Title XI Federal Law changes below.
While the United States has no federal law that specifically criminalizes gender-critical speech, several states and cities have enacted local ordinances protecting gender identity under hate crime statutes and anti-discrimination laws.
California, for example, enforces laws against discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing, and education. Public speech or refusal to acknowledge someone’s gender identity may result in civil penalties.
Additionally, New York City enforces a Human Rights Law that prohibits discrimination or harassment based on gender identity, with penalties including fines for misgendering or refusing to use preferred pronouns.
South Africa:
South Africa’s Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (2000) includes protections for gender identity. Hate speech based on gender identity is punishable under this act, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
The recent changes to Title IX under the Biden administration, particularly regarding gender identity and sexual orientation, have added new dimensions to discussions about free speech, education policies, and the suppression of dissent. Title IX, which originally focused on preventing sex-based discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funding, now includes gender identity and sexual orientation under its protections. These changes have sparked debate, with critics arguing that they suppress dissent, particularly regarding gender ideology.
Suppression of Dissent: U.S. Title IX Changes
Application: The U.S. Department of Education’s reinterpretation of Title IX to include gender identity and sexual orientation has broadened the scope of discrimination protections in schools and colleges. Critics argue that these changes suppress dissenting opinions, particularly when individuals, such as students, parents, teachers, or administrators, oppose gender ideology or refuse to affirm new gender identities. These dissenting voices may face legal or institutional consequences, including disciplinary actions, firings, or lawsuits.
Key Impacts of Title IX Changes:
Legal and Institutional Punishment for Non-Compliance:
Educational institutions are now required to address complaints of discrimination based on gender identityin the same way they would handle complaints of sex-based discrimination. This could include punitive measures for individuals or institutions that refuse to use preferred pronouns, challenge gender-affirming policies, or question the inclusion of transgender individuals in sex-segregated spaces (such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams).
Impact: Teachers, coaches, or school administrators who express dissenting views on these issues may face disciplinary action or even termination. Additionally, schools that do not comply with these new rules could lose federal funding.
Gender Identity in Sports:
Title IX now mandates that schools allow transgender students to participate in sports teams that align with their gender identity, regardless of biological sex. This has raised concerns, particularly in women’s sports, where critics argue that the inclusion of biological males who identify as female can lead to unfair competition.
Impact: Athletes, parents, or coaches who speak out against this policy may face accusations of discrimination or hate speech. This could lead to penalties such as suspension from teams, public backlash, or legal challenges for violating anti-discrimination policies. In some cases, female athletes have faced retaliation or pressure to remain silent on the issue to avoid being labeled as discriminatory.
Free Speech on College Campuses:
Colleges and universities receiving federal funding are now required to enforce policies that align with the new Title IX rules. This includes punishing individuals or groups who engage in speech that could be considered discriminatory against transgender or non-binary individuals, including statements like “men cannot be women.”
Impact: Students and faculty who express gender-critical views or challenge the prevailing gender ideology may face censorship, disciplinary hearings, or even expulsion. These policies may create a chilling effect on free speech, as individuals fear being labeled as transphobic or discriminatory for raising questions about gender identity issues.
Parental Rights and Student Privacy:
Under the new Title IX rules, schools may not be required to inform parents if a child is undergoing a social transition (such as using a different name or pronouns) while at school. This policy has sparked significant concern among parents who feel that their rights are being bypassed, particularly when schools take actions regarding their children’s gender identity without parental knowledge or consent.
Title IX changes require schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities that correspond to their gender identity. Schools that do not comply with this requirement can face legal challenges and lose federal funding.
Impact: Students, parents, or teachers who object to this policy—often due to concerns about privacy or safety—may be labeled as discriminatory. In some cases, objections have led to students being disciplined for refusing to share facilities with individuals of the opposite biological sex, and school officials who resist implementing these policies may face legal challenges for violating Title IX.
Impact on Counseling and Therapy:
School counselors and medical professionals in educational settings are required to affirm the gender identity of students under the new Title IX rules. This can include recommending gender-affirming care, such as hormone blockers or social transitions, even if parents or students express doubts or concerns.
Impact: Counselors who adopt a more cautious approach to gender transitions or who question the efficacy of gender-affirming treatments may face professional repercussions or lose their licenses. They are often expected to adhere to affirming practices without exploring alternative therapies, which can stifle open dialogue and critical discussion about the best course of treatment for each individual.
Summary of Impacts under the Title IX Changes:
Individuals who question or oppose the changes, whether due to concerns about fairness, safety, or free speech, may face legal, institutional, or social consequences.
Detrans: True Stories of Escaping the Gender Ideology Cult by Mary Margaret Olohan this book delves into the experiences of individuals who regret their gender transitions. The book highlights the emotional, mental, and physical struggles of those who underwent hormone therapies and surgeries, only to later reverse their decisions. Olohan focuses on how these individuals, often referred to as "detransitioners," were influenced by a combination of social pressure, toxic online communities, and medical professionals to pursue gender transition.
In my opinion the worst aspect of the Democrats’ new Education Act Title IX regulations that went into effect on August 1 of this year (except where blocked by court order) is that boys and men will be able to to shower with high school and college girls (including my 18 year old granddaughter).
They will have no shame in doing that when it's perfectly legal. Unless Kamala disavows this new rule she deserves to lose the election on this issue alone.
Here's an analysis of the new regulations by the Foundation Against Intolerance and
Racism (FAIR):
"The Final Rule is likely to result in sex-integration of all bathrooms and locker rooms because it prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity. After August 1st, if a school requires students to use facilities that align with their biological sex (which they are currently allowed to require under Federal law and regulations), a transgender student may file a discrimination complaint alleging that the school has violated Title IX by preventing him or her from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender."
In my opinion the worst aspect of the Democrats’ new Education Act Title IX regulations that went into effect on August 1 of this year (except where blocked by court order) is that boys and men will be able to to shower with high school and college girls (including my 18 year old granddaughter).
They will have no shame in doing that when it's perfectly legal. Unless Kamala disavows this new rule she deserves to lose the election on this issue alone.
Here's an analysis of the new regulations by the Foundation Against Intolerance and
Racism (FAIR):
"The Final Rule is likely to result in sex-integration of all bathrooms and locker rooms because it prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity. After August 1st, if a school requires students to use facilities that align with their biological sex (which they are currently allowed to require under Federal law and regulations), a transgender student may file a discrimination complaint alleging that the school has violated Title IX by preventing him or her from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender."