182 - What Exactly is a "Transcendent Sense of Gender"? with Alex Byrne

In this episode, Sasha and Stella welcome Alex Byrne, philosopher and author, to explore the evolving concept of gender, its historical roots, and the myths that shape modern discourse. Byrne offers an erudite yet accessible analysis of the term "gender," reflections about how much the term has changed and the far-reaching implications of those changes, and insights on influential figures like Jack Turban and John Money.

Alex Byrne is a Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the author of Trouble with Gender: Sex Facts, Gender Fictions, published by Polity Press in 2024.

If you're trying to understand how people justify medical interventions or radical social identity changes for young children, it's essential to grasp the thinking behind the affirmation model, championed by figures like Jack Turban. And in this episode, Alex walks us through this perspective, making for a fascinating discussion.

Expect a thought-provoking conversation exploring:

• Complexities and confusion surrounding the different meanings and uses of the terms 'sex' and 'gender'

• The concept of gender identity and its relationship to sex and gender dysphoria

• The work of Jack Turban and his book 'Free to Be'

• The misunderstood and misrepresented nature of DSDs and the need for more attention and understanding

Resources & Links

Trouble with Gender: Sex Facts, Gender Fictions

Explore more from Alex Byrne

@byrne_a on X

The New Free to Be Might Make You Long for the Seventies

Free To Be You and Me (the original album) on Spotify

Debate: Is Sex Binary? Co-hosted by the MIT Free Speech Alliance & Adam Smith Society

Is Sex Binary - Debate Review from Colin Wright

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Check out Alex Byrne’s recommendations:

On Sex and Gender (book authored by Doriane Lambelet Coleman) focuses on three sequential and consequential questions: What is sex as opposed to gender? How does sex matter in our everyday lives? And how should it be reflected in law and policy?

The Campaign to Erase Biological Sex, by Doriane Lambelet Coleman

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We're honored to have had the pleasure of hosting many of the experts lined up to present at Genspect's upcoming Bigger Picture Conference in Lisbon, Portugal. Reserve your tickets today to save your spot for a powerfully engaging event, challenging the evidence base for gender medicine and addressing the widespread damage of gender identity ideology. With a focus on "Reframing the Future," Genspect is dedicated to shifting the conversation from identifying problems to exploring solutions. Presentations, panel discussions, debates, and a live-stream interview ensure that all sides of this complex issue are addressed in a compelling manner. We hope to see you there! (Livestream tickets are also available.)

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