Yep, it’s time for another solo episode! Today’s release includes excerpts from a May bonus drop over on Patreon, where I take a critical look at gender essentialism — the socially reinforced belief in a fixed gender binary. Two days ago, I recorded a new intro, adding in some personal stories. I share why my girliest school photo is the cringiest, about the time I shaved my head in the early aughts, and the name of the book that had me performing “divine femininity” for over a decade. Also, newsflash: perimenopause can be a real bitch, in the best possible way; I tell you how it’s helping me shed the she-shoulds and embrace a fuller expression of my humanity. I define gender essentialism and the politics that drive it, speak to how the film industry fails women who are dog-tired of performing womanhood, and offer up a reminder that cis folks are the top consumers of gender-affirming care. I talk about how the most popular nonfiction book from the 90s repackaged and reified gender norms for decades to come, then offer a deep bow and wholehearted shout-out to trans folks who bear the weight of virulent projections because of our collective unwillingness to grapple with social conditioning.
Challenging gender essentialism means braving cognitive dissonance and disrupting social norms, and this episode may push some long-ago-installed buttons. Before you decide how you feel about all of the above, I encourage you to listen in AND explore the resources I have linked to in the show notes. You might be surprised where it lands you.
June 25, 2025
Referenced in this episode:
- The Cult of Gender w/ Maxx (TDP #70) w/ Maxx, Troy, & Lainie
- Elder Wisdom (TDP #23) w/ Katherine Howells
- Gender Trouble (Book), by Judith Butler
- If Books Could Kill (Podcast) – Men Are From Mars (Critique)
- ALOK: Biology! (YouTube) Comedy Special
Highly Recommended EXTRAS:
