From Anti-Satanic Crusaders to Congresswoman: Tracing an Anti-Trans Harassment Campaign
Jan 15, 2025
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In this insightful discussion, Precious Child, an LA trans artist, shares her experiences with anti-trans harassment that led to censorship by Congresswoman Nancy Mace. They delve into the historical parallels between today’s moral panics and the satanic panic, revealing the vulnerabilities of queer artists. Precious reflects on how art is not just an expression of identity but also a form of activism. The conversation emphasizes the power of community in resisting oppression and the urgent need for mobilization against anti-trans campaigns.
The ongoing anti-trans campaigns illustrate a dangerous shift from abstract political issues to direct assaults on individual lives, highlighting the personal impact of such harassment.
Precious Child's experiences reveal how artistic expression is often targeted by political pressure, reflecting the broader implications of censorship on marginalized voices in society.
Deep dives
The Reality Behind Transphobic Campaigns
The far-right's prolonged campaign against trans individuals is illustrated as having evolved into a direct and personal assault, impacting real lives rather than remaining an abstract political issue. The podcast highlights how individuals, specifically artists and activists, are targeted due to their visibility and the nature of their work, making them vulnerable to harassment and censorship. An example shared involves the artist Precious Child, whose work has faced backlash from the right wing, showcasing how hatred can manifest in violence and dehumanization. This discussion emphasizes the danger of viewing trans issues merely as political debates, reminding listeners that behind each discussion are real people experiencing genuine harm.
Art as a Target of Political Ideology
Art is examined as a focal point of attack by far-right groups, particularly when it challenges conventional narratives around gender and identity. Precious Child's music videos, which have been targeted for their provocative themes, demonstrate how artistic expression can provoke moral panics rooted in a conservative agenda. The artist discusses how their work, described as unsettling and even satanic by critics, reflects their personal struggles with identity rather than an intention to incite fear or violence. This highlights how the politicization of art not only impacts the creators but also attempts to stifle any form of dissent against dominant cultural ideologies.
The Impact of Censorship on Visibility
Censorship of artistic expression by platforms like YouTube is critiqued, particularly when these actions are prompted by politicians aiming to silence dissent. Following the retweet of a congresswoman, several of Precious Child's videos were removed from the platform, which were previously available for years, underlining the arbitrary nature of such censorship. This shift reveals a worrying connection between political pressure and the visibility of marginalized voices, raising concerns about the future of freedom of expression. The removal of art deemed non-conforming to mainstream ideals serves as a significant warning regarding the power dynamics inherent in digital platforms and their role in shaping public discourse.
Resisting Societal Oppression through Community Action
The podcast underscores the importance of community and collective action in resisting the rise of oppressive political movements. It discusses the urgent need for organization among marginalized groups to counter the growing tides of hate speech and anti-trans legislation. Precious Child emphasizes that personal empowerment comes from understanding oneself and building supportive networks, which can resist systemic oppression effectively. Through solidarity and active engagement, individuals can reclaim narratives and create enduring change against those seeking to dismantle rights and freedoms.
Mia talks with LA trans artist Precious Child about how she was the target of a series of anti-trans harassment campaigns against her art culminating in Congresswoman Nancy Mace censoring her work.
