(DRAFT) An Unbeliever’s Manifesto

A sneak-peek into my declaration of dissent.

Many people have asked for some kind of writing where I explain where I stand on the topic of gender. Below is my attempt at writing out a basic foundation of where I stand. I tried to make it as succinct as possible, and I think it is not unbearably long.

On the whole, my position is one of denial: I simply don’t believe there is such a thing called “gender identity”. Below, I explain why it is incoherent, and offer an alternative theory of what drives the gender movement.

I felt motivated to write this now because of the manipulative behavior by gender activists to force the acceptance of an unsubstantiated framework on society. There are serious consequences to this belief, and I refuse to be arm-twisted into it. (I am, of course, open to changing my mind, if arguments and evidence come along.) As is, however, I hold that the reasonable position is one of skepticism.

This is a first draft, which I am opening only to subscribers for now. I’d like to hear what you think before I post for all: Does it make sense? Is there a question you have I’ve left unanswered? I have it sectioned and numbered so that you might find it easier to cite, and easier to challenge. Of course there is a lot more to say—this is simply a baseline. But we have to start somewhere. 

Lastly, I know holding this position publicly will bring me nothing but pain. I know that saying so as explicitly as I do below is a terrible idea. I expect ostracism from many communities (ironically, especially from the “atheist”/”skeptical” world). But I do not care. I do not value the opinion of those who treat an intellectual challenge as a heretical act, and I am disgusted by the naked dogmatism displayed by those who imagine themselves to be holding up the mantle of “reason”. 

I give you, A Manifesto of Unbelief.

Table of Contents (Sections).

1. A Powder Keg Waiting To Erupt. An introduction.

2. The Anti-Concept. The driving force behind the movement—unlike any that came before. The paradoxes that envelope it all.

3. Sex, Constructs, and Individual Differences. An interlude to clarify material reality. 

4. Conceiving the Fringe: Squaring circles and other societal constructions.  

5. On Dysphoria and the Dysphoric: The many paths to hating your body.

6. The (Misguided) Search for the Origins of Gender Identity 

7. On Drinking the Kool-Aid: Why smart people believe impossible and dangerous things.