The Canadian helping U.S states defend anti-trans laws
Nov 28, 2023
34:32
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Toronto psychologist James Cantor has been testifying in court on transgender issues in the US. His scientific expertise is being used by conservative Christian groups and Republican politicians to roll back trans rights. Explore the campaign against trans rights in Tennessee, the controversy over banning gender affirming care for minors, and the involvement of experts in defending anti-trans laws. Learn about the experiences of Cantor, the financial incentives, and their hope to write a book. The podcast also discusses biased research, the selective use of evidence, and the influence of certain doctors and researchers on transgender youth.
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Quick takeaways
Conservative Christian groups and Republican politicians are leveraging the scientific expertise of Canadian psychologist Dr. James Cantor to roll back trans rights in the US.
The surge in anti-trans laws in the US, particularly in Tennessee, reflects a clash between conservative values and civil rights, violating the rights of trans individuals.
Deep dives
Impact of Anti-Trans Laws in the US
Lawmakers in the US have passed many bills that are considered anti-trans, limiting rights and access to care for transgender individuals. The new laws range from restricting which sports teams trans people can play on to banning gender affirming care for minors. These laws have caused trans teens and their families to feel displaced and question if they want to live in areas that are intolerant. To defend these laws in court, states have enlisted the help of an unlikely ally, Canadian psychologist Dr. James Cantor. Dr. Cantor's testimony challenges the reported rates of suicide and suicidality among transgender populations. Despite his controversial stances, Dr. Cantor's influence on the anti-trans movement remains significant.
Tennessee as a Hotspot for Anti-Trans Legislation
Tennessee has become a focal point for the surge in anti-trans laws, passing more of these laws than any other state. These laws target various aspects of trans rights, such as banning teachers from using trans students' pronouns, restricting trans students' participation in sports teams, and prohibiting access to gender affirming care for minors. The state lawmakers behind these laws claim to protect conservative values based on biblical interpretations, reflecting the beliefs of their constituents. However, civil rights groups argue that these laws violate the rights of trans individuals and deny them necessary medical treatments.
The Influence of Canadian Psychologist Dr. James Cantor
Dr. James Cantor, a Canadian psychologist with controversial views on gender affirming care, has emerged as a prominent figure in the defense of anti-trans legislation in the US. Leveraging his reputation and research from his time at Toronto's Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Dr. Cantor testifies against the efficacy and necessity of gender affirming care. He cites studies suggesting rapid onset gender dysphoria and the need for mental health treatment instead of medical interventions. However, experts and advocates refute these claims and highlight the significant mental health benefits of gender affirming care. Dr. Cantor's involvement in these cases raises concerns about the politicization of scientific expertise in the legal battles surrounding trans rights.
Since 2020, state-level politicians in the U.S. have passed dozens of bills that LGBTQ advocates say are anti-trans. When it comes to defending these laws in court, states have been turning to an unlikely ally: Toronto psychologist James Cantor. He’s testified in more than 20 cases in the U.S. involving transgender issues.
Today on Front Burner, CBC investigative journalist Jonathan Montpetit on Cantor’s influence, and how his scientific expertise is being weaponized by conservative Christian groups and Republican politicians to roll back trans rights in the U.S.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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