In this episode, Tony examines recent Supreme Court decisions, North Carolina legislation, and Andrew Sullivan's op-ed for the New York Times to explain how legal and cultural forces are shaping public views of Trans* loves and lives. Tony argues that Trans* people are figures of change. And it is change that the forces opposed to Trans* loves and lives want to end. Tony introduces basic ideas from gender studies, focusing on Judith Butler's recent book, Who's Afraid of Gender. Tony hopes his listeners will be inspired to advocate for and protect the dignity of Trans* people and the right of parents to support and care for their beloved Trans* kids.
Keep up with the cast at newthoughtspodcast.com. Send your feedback and stories about change in your life to info@newthoughtspodcast.com.
Explore:
Listen to Lucia Lukas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaG48g0-3oo&list=RDeaG48g0-3oo&start_radio=1
Watch Into The Woods: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxPtnom2FP0
Find the 36 Questions to Love here: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/09/style/no-37-big-wedding-or-small.html
Read Mahmoud v. Taylor: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-297_4f14.pdf
Read U.S. v. Skrmetti: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/23-477_2cp3.pdf?page=86
Read NC House Bill 805: https://ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H805v6.pdf
Read Andrew Sullivan's op-ed for the NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/opinion/gay-lesbian-trans-rights.html
Read Tony's Response to Sullivan at gay-thoughts.com: https://gay-thoughts.com/2025/07/06/against-virtually-normal-law-politics-and-the-trans-queer-body/
Listen to Judith Butler explain gender: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD9IOllUR4k
Read Butler's Who's Afraid of Gender: https://www.amazon.com/Whos-Afraid-Gender-Judith-Butler/dp/0374608229
Read David M. Halperin, "Sex / Sexuality / Sexual Classification": https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/C/bo17888759.html
Cardi B on why she thinks her security guard = fat: https://www.tiktok.com/@metroentertainment/video/7543549871274380566
Evangelical straight men like it up the butt: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opinion-evangelicals-christian-sex-website-lgbtq-advice_n_5c102db7e4b0ac537179acd1
