Andrew Sullivan, a gay catholic conservative journalist, discusses his views on race and intelligence, defense of 'The Bell Curve,' and support for eugenics. The podcast explores homonormativity, trauma of the AIDS epidemic, and the impact of the argument for gay marriage. It also delves into coming out during a time of homosexuality prohibition and the intersectionality of sexuality and politics.
The podcast explores Andrew Sullivan's advocacy for mainstream acceptance of gay people and his role as a self-appointed respectable figure within the gay community.
Andrew Sullivan's conservative case for gay marriage, outlined in his 1989 essay, had a significant impact on the legalization of same-sex marriage and the tension between his promotion of traditional values and criticism of radical queer activists is examined.
Deep dives
Andrew Sullivan: A Critique of Homonormativity and Race Science
Andrew Sullivan, a gay conservative journalist, is profiled in this episode. The podcast explores Sullivan's role as a self-appointed respectable figure within the gay community and his advocacy for mainstream acceptance of gay people. The theme of 'homonormativity' is discussed, referring to the privileging of cisgender gay and lesbian individuals over other queer identities. The trauma of the AIDS epidemic is considered as a possible driving force behind Sullivan's focus on relationship recognition by the state. The episode also delves into Sullivan's controversial views on race, his defense of 'The Bell Curve' book, and his belief in genetic differences between racial groups. The damaging effects of Sullivan's conservative arguments and his dismissal of radical activism are highlighted, along with his personal hypocrisy regarding his own sexual behavior.
The Legacy and Influence of Andrew Sullivan
Andrew Sullivan's influence and impact on the gay rights movement is examined. His conservative case for gay marriage, outlined in his 1989 essay, is discussed as a seminal argument that had a significant impact on the legalization of same-sex marriage. The episode explores the tension between Sullivan's promotion of traditional values and his criticism of radical queer activists. His role in demobilizing the gay rights movement and promoting assimilation into upper middle-class society is analyzed. The podcast also highlights Sullivan's controversial views on HIV transmission, his attacks on queer theorists, and his defense of racial and IQ differences. The detrimental effects of Sullivan's rhetoric and his stance on important social and political issues are underscored.
The Troubling Aspects of Andrew Sullivan's Ideology
The problematic aspects of Andrew Sullivan's ideology are thoroughly examined in this episode. His assertion that gay individuals should conform to traditional values and prioritize responsibility is critiqued. The podcast highlights Sullivan's hypocrisy in advocating for respectable behavior while engaging in sexual activities he publicly condemned. His support for race science and controversial views on racial and IQ differences are discussed, revealing a deeply disturbing aspect of his beliefs. The episode raises concerns about Sullivan's influence and the damaging effect his ideas have on marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community. Overall, Sullivan's ideology is depicted as self-hating, divisive, and aligned with conservative ideologies that undermine social progress.
The Dark Side of Andrew Sullivan's Journalism
This episode delves into the dark side of Andrew Sullivan's journalism career. It explores his early political alignment as a Thatcherite and Reaganite, which shaped his conservative views. Sullivan's controversial coverage of AIDS and his dismissal of radical queer activists during the epidemic are analyzed. The podcast highlights Sullivan's self-appointed role as the respectable gay voice in mainstream media and his attacks on queer theorists and activists. His hypocritical behavior, including his involvement in a bear-backing scandal while condemning unprotected sex, is exposed. The damaging effects of Sullivan's race science support and his role in promoting discriminatory ideologies are emphasized. Overall, the episode paints a critical picture of Sullivan's journalism and its negative impact on marginalized communities.
It's Andrew Sullivan: the gay catholic conservative journalist, supporter of race science, inventor of gay marriage, and self-appointed arbiter of the morality and respectability of the gay community.
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Sources:
Murray, Charles N. and Richard Herrnstein. The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life. (New York: Free Press, 1994).
Rubin, Gayle: "Thinking Sex: Notes for a Radical Theory of the Politics of Sexuality." in: Carole Vance, ed., Pleasure and Danger(Abingdon: Routledge, 1984).
Sullivan, Andrew: published works and interviews/profiles of, including:
