154. Uncomfortable Truths About “Trans”: A Conversation with Filmmaker Travis Brown

You may have recently seen episode 1 in the new docuseries "Uncomfortable Truths." Today I’m joined by its filmmaker, Travis Brown, who was drawn to investigate gender ideology after noticing many traits it shared in common with the controlling religious environment he grew up in.

We discuss the historical context of gender transition protocols and the questionable ethics of current practices. Travis highlights the alarming trend of rushing into medical procedures without adequate understanding or consideration of the long-term consequences, especially for minors. From his libertarian perspective, he emphasizes the need to balance personal freedom with the importance of waiting periods and psychological evaluations before undergoing irreversible surgeries. Meanwhile, I argue that these procedures should be outlawed altogether, reframing the debate from one of individual rights to one of professional ethical responsibilities.

Travis Brown is a visiting fellow at Danube Institute, content producer for Genspect, the president of a non-profit, and an international filmmaker and commentator known for his thought-provoking docuseries 'The Woke Reformation,' which features Peter Boghossian, Douglas Murray, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Vivek Ramaswamy, and other brave intellectuals who demolish and then offer a positive alternative to Woke culture. Travis frequently engages with contemporary cultural issues, exploring themes like identity, belief, and the importance of meaning through his work. He travels internationally to screen his work and engage in public discussions.

Travis is the president of The Signal Education Project (SEP), a non-profit that shines a light on how dogmatic thinking distorts the truth and fractures our relationships. Through SEP, Travis explores how strict ideologies shape our view of reality, the effect this has on our conversations, and what it does to relationships and society as a whole. SEP's current project investigates the contentious topic of gender identity in the upcoming docuseries Uncomfortable Truths: The Reality of Gender Identity Ideology.

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00:00 Start

[00:02:03] Trans ideology and its impact.

[00:03:33] Identity and oppression in upbringing.

[00:08:06] Oppression and authoritarian tendencies.

[00:12:00] Compassionate perspectives on trans issues.

[00:16:18] Conveyor belt of transition.

[00:19:02] Communicating with trans-identified youth.

[00:22:27] Language and its implications.

[00:27:03] Interviewing controversial figures.

[00:31:17] Buck Angel's evolving perspectives.

[00:35:55] Moral psychology and fear.

[00:38:31] Importance of opposing views.

[00:41:41] Concerns about social media influence.

[00:46:53] Medical autonomy and restrictions.

[00:48:10] Ethical dilemmas of technology.

[00:53:31] Rebuilding parent-child relationships.

[00:58:04] Spiritual needs in society.

[01:01:40] Pursuing creativity after activism.

[01:03:13] Content quality in storytelling.

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SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

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