The Guilty Feminist 455. The Road to Gilead with Neil Datta
Nov 3, 2025
Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Rights, dives into the alarming rise of the anti-gender movement and its impact on society. He explains how transgender rights are manipulated as a political wedge and discusses the dangerous alliances forming between gender-critical feminists and the Christian Right. Neil warns about the substantial funding fueling these movements in Europe and outlines their three-phase strategy aimed at reshaping policies and societal norms. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots action and strategic communication to counter these threats.
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Christian Nationalism Is A Growing Political Threat
- Christian nationalism is rising in the UK and US and uses religion to seize power and divide communities.
- Deborah Frances-White and Neil Datta argue this threat requires urgent grassroots organising to defend rights.
How A TV Character Led To Research
- Deborah recounts discovering Neil's paper after seeing early positive trans representation in Orange Is The New Black.
- That discovery led to a direct outreach and a substantive interview informing her book.
Anti-Gender Tactics Target Grey Areas
- The anti-gender movement professionalised around 2015–2016 to exploit divisions such as transgender debates.
- They target grey areas to erect 'scarecrows' and polarise progressive movements for strategic gain.
