Beyond Gender The War on Norms: Derrick Jensen Traces Anarchism, Queer Theory, and Trans
Dec 11, 2025
Derrick Jensen, an environmental philosopher and author of over 25 books, dives deep into the connections between anarchism, queer theory, and trans politics. He critiques how social norms, including those safeguarding children, are dismissed in academic discourse. Jensen also discusses historical figures advocating extreme sexual views and the implications of prioritizing mental identity over physical bodies. His insights reveal the cultural shifts that led to queer theory's rise and express concern over young people's irreversible decisions regarding their bodies.
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Two Strains Within Anarchism
- Jensen traces a long battle within anarchism between opposing views on social rules and behavior.
- One strand resists all norms as oppressive while another focuses on power structures that enforce rules for the powerful.
Token Public Participation Example
- Jensen gives an example of token public participation where an intoxicated envoy pretended to agree with the audience.
- He uses it to show how democratic processes can be hollow when officials ignore public input.
Backlash After Rights Gains
- Jensen argues Foucault and others rose because they articulated a backlash once specific rights gains occurred.
- He ties queer theory to a broader cultural shift that repackages contempt for bodies and women.
