The Nation is an American progressive media organization. Their coverage of transgender topics is generally fair and accurate.
The Nation is notable for publishing trans and gender diverse writers, including S. Baum, Gillian Branstetter, Stephanie Burt, Jack Halberstam, Imara Jones, Shannon Price Minter, Chase Strangio, Susan Stryker, Meredith Talusan, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Jos Truitt, and Raquel Willis.
In 2015, Nation columnist Katha Pollitt wrote two pieces that expressed support and sympathy for “gender critical” feminists, discussed below.
Background
The magazine was flounded in 1865, shortly after the end of the American Civil War. It was founded in New York City by abolitionists and reform-minded intellectuals who wanted a serious journal of politics and culture. The founding editor was Edwin Lawrence Godkin, an Irish-born journalist. The early issues focused heavily on Reconstruction politics, economic policy, and literary criticism. During the late 1860s and 1870s, the magazine gained a reputation for detailed book reviews and commentary on national politics. In 1881, Godkin left the magazine to become editor of the New York Evening Post. Control of The Nation passed to Wendell Phillips Garrison, who served as editor from 1881 to 1906.
In 1885, the magazine was purchased by the Evening Post Company. In 1918, the magazine was sold to a group led by Oswald Garrison Villard, the grandson of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison. Villard became publisher and remained closely associated with the magazine until the 1930s. It merged with another progressive weekly in 1937. Freda Kirchwey served as editor from 1937 to 1955, guiding the publication through World War II and the early Cold War. In 1955, Carey McWilliams became editor and led the magazine until 1975. Following financial instability during the 1960s and early 1970s, new ownership reorganized it in 1977 under the Nation Company. Victor Navasky became editor in 1978 and served until 1995, later remaining publisher until 2005. Katrina vanden Heuvel became editor in 1995 and publisher in 2005.
By the early 21st century, The Nation had expanded into digital publishing while continuing its weekly print schedule.’
Katha Pollitt
Katha Pollitt is a Nation columnist who has expressed support and sympathy for “gender critical” feminists. Pollitt began contributing to The Nation in 1980. From 1982 to 1984, Pollitt was literary editor. Pollitt’s biweekly column âSubject to Debateâ started in 1995 and became one of the magazineâs signature opinion columns.
Starting around 2010, Pollitt ran a trans-exclusionary journalism listserv. In 2018, journalist Harron Walker was provided listserv messages and reported on how these prominent media figures discussed trans topics in private. In 2019, Pollitt accidentally copied Nation contributor David M. Perry on an email criticizing those who felt anti-trans activist Jesse Singal should be removed from Pollitt’s listserv.
In 2015, Pollitt published a column titled “Who Has Abortions?” about the shift to inclusive language in the abortion rights movement. Pollitt argued, âOnce you start talking about âpeople,â not âwomen,â you lose what abortion means historically, symbolically and socially.â Pollitt added:
Iâm going to argue here that removing âwomenâ from the language of abortion is a mistake. We can, and should, support trans men and other gender-non-conforming people. But we can do that without rendering invisible half of humanity and 99.999 percent of those who get pregnant.
Here, Pollitt repeats the anti-trans data artifact promoted by Kenneth Zucker and others that claimed only 1 in 100,000 people are trans men. There are more than 1,000 times more transmasculine people than that deliberate undercount.
The column sparked considerable controversy, and The Nation published two reader responses, as well as Pollitt’s response to the criticisms.
Also in 2015, Pollitt expressed concern about anti-trans activists like Germaine Greer and Julie Bindel being disinvited from college speaking engagements.
In 2020, Pollitt was one of the signers of the Harperâs Letter, signed by a disproportionate number of anti-trans activists.
Contributors
Contributors who have covered trans topics include:
- Sasha Abramsky
- Aziza Ahmed
- Hasan Ali
- Andrea Arroyo
- William J. Barber II
- Sydney Bauer
- S. Baum
- Walden Bello
- Liam Beran
- Jennifer C. Berkshire
- June Beshea
- Paul Blest
- Charlie Bloomer
- Robert L. Borosage
- Jules Boykoff
- Gillian Branstetter
- Kelsy Burke
- Stephanie Burt
- Grace Byron
- Alessandra C.
- Elsie Carson-Holt
- Theia Chatelle
- Michelle Chen
- Ira Chernus
- Nathan Craig
- William Elisabeth Cuthbert
- Nikhilesh De
- Frankie de la Cretaz
- Hunter Dodrill
- Emily Douglas
- Liza Featherstone
- Laura Flanders
- Emmet Fraizer
- Katherine Franke
- Gabriel Furshong
- Monique Garcia
- Alicia Garza
- Sasha Geffen
- Mark Gevisser
- uben J. Gonzales
- Jeremy Gordon
- Rebecca Gordon
- Naomi Gordon-Loebl
- Greg Grandin
- Heron Greenesmith
- Jack Halberstam
- Jake Hall
- Colleen Hamilton
- Jeet Heer
- Matthew Herskowitz
- Ginny Hogan
- Kali Holloway
- Sam Huber
- Nan D. Hunter
- Sophie Hurwitz
- M. Jesuthasan
- Imara Jones
- Channing Gerard Joseph
- Spencer Katz
- Stephen Kearse
- Richard Kim
- Stuart Klawans
- Karen Krajcer
- Thomas Jean Lax
- Sarah Lazare
- Chris Lehmann
- Ian Lekus
- Natasha Lennard
- Sophie Lewis
- Amy Littlefield
- Chase Madar
- Regina Mahone
- Dani McClain
- Bailey McDaniel
- Moses Hernandez McGavin
- Ashe McGovern
- Toshio Meronek
- Shannon Price Minter
- Jack Mirkinson
- Tim Murphy
- Elie Mystal
- Jaeyoon Park
- Ilaria Parogni
- David M. Perry
- Michael F. Pettinger
- Hanna Phifer
- Karina Piser
- Katha Pollitt
- Zurie Pope
- Theodore Santos
- Nadia Scharf
- Willow Schenwar
- Jack Schneider
- Aaron Scott
- Pamela Shifman
- Mychal Denzel Smith
- Michael Snyder
- Bijan Stephen
- Wen Stephenson
- Chase Strangio
- Susan Stryker
- Meredith Talusan
- Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
- Liz Theoharis
- Salamishah Tillet
- Jimmy Tobias
- Jos Truitt
- Urvashi Vaid
- Katrina vanden Heuvel
- Margaret Brown Vega
- McKenzie Wark
- Sherri Williams
- Raquel Willis
- Tobias Barrington Wolff
- Joanna Wuest
- JoAnn Wypijewski
- Natasha Hakimi Zapata
- Dave Zirin
- George Zornick
Selected Nation articles
Hurwitz, Sophie (March 2, 2026). New York City Hospitals Fold to Trump. Will Zohran Mamdani Defend Trans Care? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/langone-sinai-trans-care-zohran-mamdani/
Mahone, Regina (February 20, 2026). We Must Raise Our Voices Against the Attacks on Trans Care. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/gender-liberation-movement-raquel-willis-interview/
Mystal, Elie (February 6, 2026). Is Samuel Alito Preparing to Disrobe? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/newsletter-samuel-alito-retiring/
Mystal, Elie (January 14, 2026). The Supreme Court Just Held an Anti-Trans Hatefest. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/supreme-court-trans-athlete-bans/
Burke, Kelsy (November 20, 2025). Why We Must Remember Brandon Teena. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/brandon-teena-nebraska-remembrance/
Branstetter, Gillian (November 7, 2025). Democrats Canât Blame Trans People for Their Own Failures. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/democrats-trans-rights-election-analysis/
Bloomer, Charlie (October 29, 2025). Even in Oregon, the Fight for Marriage Equality Might Not Be Over. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/oregon-marriage-equality-obergefell-equal-rights-for-all/
Mirkinson, Jack (September 24, 2025). The Right Wants to Exterminate Trans People. Liberals Are Helping. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/right-anti-trans-campaign-republicans-democrats-liberals/
Holloway, Kali (August 27, 2025). Trumpâs Staggering Betrayal of Trans Service Members. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trans-military-ban-tera/
Heer, Jeet (July 7, 2025). Pete Hegseth Is Unleashing Chaos at the Pentagon. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/pete-hegseth-chaos-pentagon-resign/
Mystal, Elia (June 18, 2025). The Supreme Courtâs Anti-Trans Decision Will Live in Infamy. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/us-vs-skrmetti-ruling-analysis/
Scott, Aaron; Theoharis, Liz; McGavin, Moses Hernandez (June 12, 2025). We Have a Lot to Learn From the Fight for Trans Rights. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-rights-christian-nationalism/
Park, Jaeyoon (June 9, 2025). The âScienceâ Behind Trumpâs Anti-Trans War Is Incredibly Weak. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trump-hhs-trans-care-report/
Nichols, John (May 16, 2025). How Democrats Crushed a Despicable Anti-Trans Campaign and Won a Major Election. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/omaha-mayor-election-trans-rights-john-ewing/
Lewis, Sophie (April 23, 2025). The UKâs Anti-Trans Ruling Is a Defeat for All Women. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/supreme-court-trans-ruling-analysis-uk/
Herskowitz, Matthew (March 21, 2025). Trans Kids Are Facing a Terrifying New Reality. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-youth-gender-affirming-care/
Fraizer, Emmet (March 20, 2025). Our Trans Protections Arenât Strong Enough for the Trump Era. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-shield-laws-trump/
Zirin, Dave (March 14, 2025). âIâm Terrifiedâ: Trans-Feminine Athletes in Their Own Words. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-women-athletes-forum/
Ziri, Dave (March 7, 2025). Donât Listen to Greasy Gavin Newsom. Listen to Trans Athletes. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-athletes-forum/
Schenwar, Willow (February 28, 2025). Reject the Linguistic Coup: Speak Up for Trans People. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/reject-linguistic-coup-speak-up/
Lazare, Sarah (February 25, 2025). How Healthcare Workers Are Defending Their Transgender Patients from Trumpâs Attacks. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/healthcare-workers-defend-trans-patients-trump/
Carson-Holt, Elsie (February 21, 2025). âWeâre Living Through Hellâ: What Trumpâs Anti-Trans War Really Means. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/gender-affirming-care-bans-hospitals-trump/
Byron, Grace (February 3, 2025). The Right to Pee Is Everything. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-rights-bathrooms/
Cuthbert, William Elisabeth (January 17, 2025). Trans Healthcare Is Under Siege. These People Are Fighting Back. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-healthcare-rigt-fda/
Ahmed, Aziza; Wuest, Joanna (December 13, 2024). Banning Trans Health Care Puts Young People at Risk of Harm. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/banning-trans-health-care-puts-young-people-at-risk/
Mystal, Elie (December 5, 2024). The Supreme Courtâs Hearing on Trans Rights Was Bigotry Masquerading as Law. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/supreme-court-trans-rights-children-skrmetti/
Wuest, Joanna (December 4, 2024). Trans Medicineâs âMerchants of Doubt.â The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-medicine-ban-scotus-skrmetti/
Bauer, Sydney (November 20, 2024). Trans People Shouldnât Be Scapegoated for Democratsâ Failures. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trans-democrats-election-trump/
Boykoff, Jules; Zirin, Dave (August 5, 2024). We Must Defend Imane Khelif. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/imane-khelif-olympics-paris-boxing-transphobia/
Zirin, Dave; Boykoff, Jules (July 25, 2024). Why There Are No Trans Women Competing at the Paris Games. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-athletes-paris-olympics/
Beran, Liam (June 20, 2024). As the NCAA Debates New Rules, Trans Athletes Are Left Out of the Conversation. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/transgender-student-athletes-ncaa-representation/
Fraizer, Emmet (June 11, 2024). Transphobia Spreads in a âHavenâ for LGBTQ Youth. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/massachusetts-trans-students/
Zapata, Natasha Hakimi (April 19, 2024). What the Cass Review Means for Trans Kids in Britainâand Beyond. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/cass-review-trans-healthcare-puberty-blockers/
Pettinger, Michael F. (April 16, 2024). The Vaticanâs Bewildering New Declaration. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/vatican-declaration-gender-pope/
Zirin, Dave (April 10, 2024). Coaching Great Dawn Staley Defends Trans Athletes. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/dawn-staley-trans-athletes/
Baum, S. (March 19, 2024). Nex Benedictâs Queer Classmates Say the Biggest Bullies Are the Politicians. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/nex-benedict-trans-rights-oklahoma-owasso/
Burt, Stephanie (March 18, 2024). Lucy Sante and the Solitude and Solidarity of Transitioning. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/lucy-sante-i-heard-her-call-my-name/
Abramsky, Sasha (February 23, 2024). The Right-Wing Pretexts of Parentsâ and Childrenâs Rights. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/parents-rights-childrens-rights/
Zirin, Dave (February 22, 2024). The War on Transgender Kids Took the Life of Nex Benedict. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/nex-benedict-oklahoma-war-transgender-kids/
Fraizer, Emmet (February 22, 2024). The Mainstream Media Is Failing Trans People. These Journalists Are Fighting Back. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-journalists-independent-reporting/
Borosage, Robert L. (February 8, 2024). Will the Heritage Foundationâs Project 2025 Turn Trumpism Into a Governing Agenda? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/will-the-heritage-foundations-project-2025-turn-trumpism-into-a-governing-agenda/
de la Cretaz, Frankie (February 2, 2024). How the World of Competitive Climbing Was Rocked by Transphobia. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/usa-climbing-trans-athletes-rules/
Berkshire, Jennifer C.; Schneider, Jack (December 15, 2023). Moms for Liberty Isnât Going Anywhere. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/moms-for-liberty-public-schools/
Huber, Sam (November 20, 2023). How Gender Is Policed in America. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/paisley-currah-transgender-history/
Zirin, Dave (November 6, 2023). Trans Athletes Fight for Inclusion in Sports. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/podcast/society/trans-athletes-fight-for-inclusion-in-sports/
Lehmann, Chris (October 5, 2023). The Vanguard Party of the Christian Right The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/alliance-defending-freedom/
Shifman, Pamela (September 21, 2023). Democrats Can Stand Up for Trans Kidsâand Win. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/democrats-trans-rights/
Heer, Jeet (September 8, 2023). Elon Musk Is a Threat to Democracy. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/elon-musk-threat-democracy/
Cuthbert, William Elisabeth (August 17, 2023). How the UKâs Metal Scene Became a Haven for Trans People. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/uk-metal-scene-trans-people/
Scharf, Nadia (August 11, 2023). Kentuckyâs Anti-LGBTQ âParental Rightsâ Law Is a Disaster for Families, Teachers, and Kids. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/kentucky-anti-lgbtq-trans-parental-rights-law-sb150/
Littlefield, Amy (August 7, 2023). The Real Agenda of Moms for Liberty. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/moms-for-liberty-philadelphia/
Littlefield, Amy (July 25, 2023). The Brave, Often Lonely Fight of Trans Lawmakers in State Legislatures. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/mauree-turner-alissandra-murray/
Baum, S. (July 21, 2023). The Anti-Trans Crusade Comes to New Jersey. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/anti-trans-school-board-new-jersey/
Roliff, Riley (July 20, 2023). How Solitary Confinement Is Used as a Weapon Against Trans People. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-solitary-confinement/
Gordon, Rebecca (July 4, 2023). The Rightâs Attempted Extermination Campaign of Queer People Is Textbook Fascism. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trump-desantis-extermination-fascism/
Hogan, Ginny (June 29, 2023). Is Josh Hawley All Right? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/josh-hawley-manhood/
Hunter, Nan D. (June 26, 2023). In the Attacks on Trans Rights, Weâre Seeing the Rise of a New Confederacy. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/transgender-rights-abortion/
Holloway, Kali (June 23, 2023). Itâs Not Just Corporate Pride BoycottsâRight-Wingers Are Escalating Their Anti-LGBTQ Campaign. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/corporate-pride-boycotts-lgbtq/
Bauer, Sydney (June 23, 2023). Elon Musk Has Made Anti-Trans Hatred One of Twitterâs Core Features. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/elon-musk-transphobia-twitter/
Arroyo, Andrea (June 15, 2023). LGBTQI+ Pride. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/lgbtqi-pride/
Krajcer, Karen (June 15, 2023). Texas Could Have Taken My Trans Child Away. Hereâs What I Did to Protect Our Family. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-kids-texas-safe-folder/
Hall, Jake (June 2, 2023). âT4Tâ Has Become a Deeply Vital Term to Trans People. Hereâs Why. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/t4t-trans-community-solidarity/
Meronek, Toshio (May 23, 2023). The Killing of Banko Brown Shows What San Franciscoâs Real Crisis Looks Like. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/banko-brown-killing-san-francisco-crisis/
Hamilton, Colleen (May 23, 2023). Anti-Trans Legislation Is Becoming a National Security Issue. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/military-families-transgender/
Berkshire, Jennifer C. (May 23, 2023). How to Fight the Rightâs Moral Panic Over Parental Rights. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/how-to-fight-the-rights-moral-panic-over-parental-rights/
de la Cretaz, Frankie (May 12, 2023). How Womenâs Swimming Got So Transphobic. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/womens-swimming-transphobia-lia-thomas/
Zirin, Dave (May 8, 2023). Ron DeSantisâs Anti-Trans Agenda Exiles Dwyane Wade, NBA Superstar and Loving Father. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/ron-desantis-dwayne-wade-florida-zaya/
Furshong, Gabriel (May 1, 2023). The GOPâs War Against Trans People Is a War Against Democracy. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/montana-zooey-zephyr-trans-rights-republicans/
Katz, Spencer (April 19, 2023). âI Live in a Gray Areaâ: Being a Trans High School Student Without Support. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/transgender-high-school-harassment-community-support/
Arroyo, Andrea (April 13, 2023). Transgender Rights Are Human Rights. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/transgender-rights-are-human-rights/
de la Cretaz, Frankie | April 10, 2023). Joe Biden Has Betrayed Trans Student Athletes. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/biden-title-ix-trans-athletes/
Heer, Jeet (April 7, 2023). Democrats Can Win on Trans Issuesâbut Only if They Fight. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/democrats-trans-rights-elections/
C., Alessandra (April 6, 2023). Being Openly Trans in High School Is Already Hard. Republicans Want to Make It Impossible. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trans-youth-high-school-hormone-replacement-therapy-republicans-desantis/
Stephenson, Wen (April 5, 2023). What Itâs Like to Be Trans and Christian in Nashville Right Now. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/roberto-che-espinoza-trans-christian-nashville/
Dodrill, Hunter (March 21, 2023). Wellesley College Isnât an All-Women School. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/wellesley-college-trans-students-referendum/
Mystal, Elie (March 15, 2023). Protesting an Anti-Trans Trump Judge Isnât Disrespectful, Itâs American. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/protesting-anti-trans-judge-kyle-duncan-is-american/
Zirin, Dave (March 7, 2023). Banning Trans Athletes Is Just the Beginning. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/congress-sports-federal-ban-trans-athletes/
Heer, Jeet (March 1, 2023). Homophobia and Transphobia at âThe New York Times.â The Nation https://www.thenation.com/podcast/society/tom-mirkinson-nyt/
Phifer, Hanna (February 23, 2023 I Signed the âNew York Timesâ Open Letter. I Have More to Say. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/new-york-times-open-letter-more-to-say/
Mirkinson, Jack (February 20, 2023 âThe New York Timesâ Is Repeating One of Its Most Notorious Mistakes. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/new-york-times-trans-coverage-gay-rights-history/
Pope, Zurie (February 13, 2023 Itâs Time for Democrats to Actually Defend LGBTQ People. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/biden-sotu-lgbtq-rights-democrats/
Littlefield, Amy; Greenesmith, Heron (January 31, 2023). Fresh Off Victory Against âRoe,â the Religious Right Is Pushing a Record Number of Anti-Trans Bills. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/transgender-abortion-rights-attacks/
Wark, McKenzie (January 31, 2023). The Mainstream Mediaâs Fearmongering About Trans Kids Is Nothing But Clickbait. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-parenting-schools-gender/
Chernus, Ira (January 27, 2023). Iâm the Proud Dad of a Drag Queenâand I Want a Better World for My Kid. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/drag-queen-dad-equality/
Ali, Hasan (January 9, 2023). Pakistanâs Transgender Community Rises Up. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/world/transgender-pakistan/
Pope, Zurie (December 16, 2022). Drag Queens Were Targeted by the Proud Boys. Whom Did the Police The Nation Support? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/proud-boys-drag-event-columbus-police-department/
Gordon-Loebl, Naomi (December 14, 2022). Reading Judith Butlerâs âGender Troubleâ in the Age of Ron DeSantis. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/judith-butler-gender-trans-1990s/
Strangio, Chase (November 25, 2022). No One Can Take Away Our Joy The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/colorado-shootings-trans-joy/
Chatelle, Theia (October 24, 2022). Trans Peopleâs Rights Are on the Ballot, but Many Wonât Be Able to Vote. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trans-rights-voting-midterms-2022/
Wark, McKenzie (July 7, 2022). A Different Kind of Trans Book: On Imogen Binnieâs âNevada.â The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/imogen-binnie-nevada/
Hurwitz, Sophie (April 29, 2022). Kansasâs First Trans Legislator Isnât Going Anywhere. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/stephanie-byers-interview/
Zirin, Dave (March 23, 2022). A Tale of Two Women Athletes: Why the GOP Wants to Erase Brittney Griner and Lia Thomas. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/brittney-griner-lia-thomas/
Franke, Katherine (March 9, 2022). Religious Objectors to LGBTQ Equality Will Return to the Supreme Court. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/supreme-court-lgbtq-rights/
Mystal, Elie (March 1, 2022). First Texas Came for Pregnant PeopleâThen It Came for Trans Kids. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/texas-trans-kids-abortion/
Zirin, Dave (February 28, 2022). How Sports Have Been Used to Attack Trans People. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/interview-chris-mosier/
Strangio, Chase (February 24, 2022). Texas Is Terrorizing Trans Youth. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/texas-gender-affirming-care/
Kearse, Stephen (November 9, 2021). Dave Chappelleâs Comedy of Bitterness. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/dave-chappelle-review/
Zirin, Dave (October 15, 2021). Texas Slams the Door on Trans Kidsâ Playing Sports. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/texas-trans-bill/
Gordon, Jeremy (August 31, 2021). The Rhetoric of Pop Psychology. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/jesse-singal-quick-fix-review/
Lax, Thomas Jean (August 3, 2021). Why Brazilâs First Trans State Legislator Built a Refuge for Black Queer and Trans People. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/world/erica-malunguinho-interview/
Younes, Rasha (July 28, 2021). The Trouble With âthe LGBT Communityâ The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/world/lgbt-community-capitalism/
EncarnaciĂłn, Omar G. (June 29, 2021). The Fight for LGBTQ Rights Must Include Reparations. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/gay-reparations-lgbtq/
vanden Heuvel, Katrina (June 1, 2021). As Pride Month Begins, Republicans Double Down on Restricting Transgender Americans. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/as-pride-month-begins-republicans-double-down-on-restricting-transgender-americans/
Lewis, Sophie (May 20, 2021). A Portrait of Cis-Trans Solidarit. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/torrey-peters-detransition-baby-review/
Zirin, Dave (May 4, 2021). The NFL Player Standing In Solidarity With Trans Athletes. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/podcast/society/trans-athletes-rk-russell/
Strangio, Chase; Willis, Raquel (March 30, 2021). Visibility Alone Will Not Keep Transgender Youth Safe. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/trans-rights-alabama-arkansas/
Zirin, Dave (March 16, 2021). Chase Strangio on Countering Attacks on Trans Athletes. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/podcast/society/trans-athletes-chase-strangio/
Zirin, Dave (January 19, 2021). Chris Mosier: In Defense of Trans Athletes. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/podcast/society/trans-athletes-chris-mosier/
Jesuthasan, M. (January 5, 2021). What We Can Learn About Activism Today in the Archives of Queer History. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/information-activism-review/
Zirin, Dave (October 23, 2020). Betsy DeVos Attacks Trans Athletes Again. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-devos-title-ix/
Holloway, Kali (July 13, 2020). Black Trans Lives Must Be Front and Center. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/black-transgender-policing-violence/
Arroyo, Andrea (June 25, 2020). LGBTQI Rights Are Human Rights. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/lgbtqi-rights-are-human-rights/
Piser, Karina (February 19, 2020). The Walking While Trans Ban Is âStop and Frisk 2.0.â The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/walking-while-trans-repeal/
Zirin, Dave (February 18, 2020). In Connecticut, Do Transgender Women Have the Right to Play? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/connecticut-transgender-athletes/
Zirin, Dave (February 13, 2020). Dwyane Wadeâs Love for His Daughter Is an Act of Resistance. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/dwyane-wade-trans-child/
Nass, Scott (February 13, 2020). Transgender and Intersex Kids Must Have a Voice in Health Care Decisions. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/transgender-intersex-health-care-south-dakota/
Mystal, Elie (January 31, 2020). This Trump Judge Tormented a Trans WomanâBecause He Could. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trump-judge-duncan-trans/
Joseph, Channing Gerard (January 31, 2020). The First Drag Queen Was a Former Slave. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/drag-queen-slave-ball/
Geffen, Sasha (October 9, 2019). The Revolutionary Joy of Trans Life. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/lou-sullivan-we-both-laughed-in-pleasure-review/
Gordon-Loebl, Naomi (September 27, 2019). With a Confusing Musical Finale, âTransparentâ Ends on a Low Note. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/transparent-musicale-finale-review/
Nichols, John (August 9, 2019). Brianna Wu Is Used to Fighting Bullies. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/brianna-wu-interview/
Garza, Alicia (July 3, 2019). Eleven Black Trans Women Have Been Murdered This Year. Itâs Time for Another Uprising. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/alicia-garza-stonewall-transgender/
Stryker, Susan (June 29, 2019). Stonewall Proved That Resistance Is Always Possible. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/stonewall-resistance-oppression/
Lekus, Ian (June 28, 2019). The Movement for LGBTQ Rights Is On the March Around the World. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/international-lgbtq-rights-legacy-imperialism/
Gordon-Loebl, Naomi (June 27, 2019). How Did South Dakota Become a Factory for Anti-Trans Legislation? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/south-dakotan-anti-transgender-legislation/
Gonzales, Ruben J. (June 27, 2019). The Power of Transgender Political Representation. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/stonewall-transgender-politicians-devos/
Jones, Imara (June 27, 2019). Trans Women of Color Are the Past and Future of LGBTQ Liberation. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/trans-women-color-lgbtq-stonewall/
Douglas, Emily and The Nation (June 27, 2019). What We All Owe to Gay Liberation. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/stonewall-50-lgbtq-queer/
Taylor, Keeanga-Yamahtta (June 26, 2019). Gay Pride Doesnât Mean Gay Liberation. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/lgbtq-liberation-nigel-shelby-stonewall/
Minter, Shannon Price (June 26, 2019). The Lesson of Stonewall: Thereâs No Justice Without a Fight. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/lgbtq-history-stonewall-progress-setbacks/
Vaid, Urvashi (June 26, 2019). Itâs Time to Reembrace a Politics of Radical, Queer, Outsider Activism. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/stonewall-radical-queer-activism/
Craig, Nathan; Vega Margaret Brown (June 4, 2019). A Trans Asylum Seeker Dies After Pleading to ICE for Medical Care. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/ice-otero-joa-transgender-death/
Zirin, Dave (March 19, 2019). The Attack on Trans Athletes. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-athletes-attack-podcast/
Zirin, Dave (March 5, 2019). Transphobiaâs New Target Is the World of Sports. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/trans-runner-daily-caller-terry-miller-andraya-yearwood-martina-navratilova/
Zirin, Dave (February 25, 2019). Martina Navratilova Is Expelled From an LGBTQ Advocacy Group Over Transphobia Accusations. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/martina-navratilova-athlete-ally-transphobia/
NationAction (January 29, 2019). Take Action Now: Say NO to the Trans Service Ban. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/take-action-now-say-no-to-the-trans-service-ban/
Chen, Michelle (December 19, 2018). Transgender Rights Are Under Siege in Trumpâs America. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/transgender-rights-trump-supreme-court/
Arroyo, Andrea (November 15, 2018). Wonât Be Erased. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/wont-be-erased-2/
Gordon-Loebl, Naomi (November 9, 2018). Trumpâs War on Trans Rights: A Q&A With Chase Strangio. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/chase-strangio-interview-trans-rights/
Stephen, Bijan (October 10, 2018). SOPHIE and Blood Orangeâs Thrilling Transformations. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/documents-of-life/
Nichols, John (August 15, 2018). Christine Hallquist Isnât Just the First Transgender Candidate for GovernorâSheâs Also a Visionary Progressive. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/christine-hallquist-isnt-just-the-first-transgender-candidate-for-governor-shes-also-a-visionary-progressive/
Williams, Sherri (June 21, 2018). Itâs Time for HBCUs to Address Homophobia and Transphobia on Their Campuses. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/time-hbcus-address-homophobia-transphobia-campuses/
Snyder, Michael (March 13, 2018). Escaping Hate: A Trans Womanâs Journey North. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/escaping-hate-a-trans-womans-journey-north/
Perry, David M. (September 13, 2017). My Body, My Choice: Why the Principle of Bodily Autonomy Can Unite the Left. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/my-body-my-choice-why-the-principle-of-bodily-autonomy-can-unite-the-left/
Kim, Richard (July 26, 2017). Donald Trumpâs Ban on Transgender Troops Is Not a Distraction. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/donald-trumps-ban-on-transgender-troops-is-not-a-distraction/
Tobias, Jimmy (March 31, 2017). Trans Rights Werenât the Only Target of North Carolinaâs âBathroom Bill.â The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/trans-rights-werent-the-only-target-of-north-carolinas-bathroom-bill/
Blest, Paul (March 30, 2017). The So-Called âRepealâ of North Carolinaâs Bathroom Bill Is a Terrible Deal for Civil Rights. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/the-so-called-repeal-of-north-carolinas-bathroom-bill-is-a-terrible-deal-for-civil-rights/
Abramsky, Sasha (March 29, 2017). California Dreaming: Evan Minton, Transgender Political Staffer. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/california-dreaming-evan-minton-transgender-political-staffer/
Blest, Paul (March 23, 2017). How Much Damage Has North Carolinaâs Bathroom Bill Done in 1 Year? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/how-much-damage-has-north-carolinas-bathroom-bill-done-in-1-year/
Gordon-Loebl, Naomi (March 7, 2017). We Are Still Winning the Fight for Trans Rights. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/we-are-still-winning-the-fight-for-trans-rights/
Grandin, Greg; Madar. Chase (January 17, 2017). Chelsea Manning Will Be Free! The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/chelsea-manning-will-be-free/
Featherstone, Liza (November 4, 2016). Asking for a Friend: My Young Daughter Is TransâHow Do I Get Her on the Right Soccer Team Without Forcing Her to Come Out? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/asking-for-a-friend-my-young-daughter-is-trans-how-do-i-get-her-on-the-right-soccer-team-without-forcing-her-to-come-out/
Lennard, Natasha (September 28, 2016). The Military Logic of Punishing Chelsea Manningâs Suicide Attempt. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/the-military-logic-of-punishing-chelsea-mannings-suicide-attempt/
Nichols, John (June 30, 2016). Meet Misty Snow: Grassroots Activist, Working-Class Progressive, Trans Woman, Democratic Nominee for the US Senate. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/meet-misty-snow-grassroots-activist-working-class-progressive-trans-woman-democratic-nominee-for-the-us-senate/
Barber, William J. II (May 23, 2016). The âBathroom Billâ Is an Old Ploy That Canât Stop Our New Movement. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/the-bathroom-bill-is-an-old-ploy-that-cant-stop-our-new-movement/
McGovern, Ashe (May 20, 2016). North Carolinaâs Discriminatory Bathroom Law May Also Worsen Economic Inequality. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/north-carolinas-discriminatory-bathroom-law-may-also-worsen-economic-inequality/
Santos, Theodore; McDaniel, Bailey; Beshea, June; Garcia, Monique (May 9, 2016). For Students, the Fight Against âBathroom Billsâ Is About Far More Than Bathrooms. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/for-students-the-fight-against-bathroom-bills-is-about-far-more-than-bathrooms/
Pollitt, Katha (April 21, 2016). North Carolinaâs Anti-LGBT Law Is Not the Way to Keep Women Safe. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/north-carolinas-anti-lgbt-law-is-not-the-way-to-keep-women-safe/
Truitt, Jos (March 4, 2016). Transgender People Are More Visible Than Ever. So Why Is There More Anti-Trans Legislation Than Ever, Too? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/transgender-people-are-more-visible-than-ever-so-why-is-there-more-anti-trans-legislation-than-ever-too/
Parogni, Ilaria (February 3, 2016). Transgender Russians Struggle to Take Their Movement Out of the Shadows. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/transgender-russians-struggle-to-take-their-movement-out-of-the-shadows/
Chen, Michelle (December 16, 2015). Trans Sex Workers Are 25 Times More Likely to Be HIV Positive Than the General Population. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/trans-sex-workers-are-25-times-more-likely-to-be-hiv-positive-than-the-general-population/
Pollitt, Katha (November 5, 2015). Feminism Needs More Thinkers Who Arenât Right 100 Percent of the Time. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/feminism-needs-more-thinkers-who-arent-right-100-percent-of-the-time/
Murphy, Tim (July 21, 2015). In Indiana, Employers Can Fire Workers for Being Gay or Transâand They Do, All the Time. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/in-indiana-employers-can-fire-workers-for-being-gay-or-trans-and-they-do-all-the-time/
Klawans, Stuart (July 16, 2015). Trans Sex Workers Seek Comfort and Vengeance in Sean Bakerâs âTangerine.â The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/trans-sex-workers-seek-comfort-and-vengeance-in-sean-bakers-tangerine/
Gevisser, Mark (March 23, 2015). Engendered. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/engendered/
Pollitt, Katha (March 13, 2015). Who Has Abortions? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/who-has-abortions/
Zornick, George (March 5, 2015). Court: Army Must Refer to Chelsea Manning as a Woman. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/court-army-must-refer-chelsea-manning-woman/
StudentNation (March 5, 2015). Students Walk Out on Testing, Rise for Black Trans Lives and Unionize. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/students-walk-out-testing-rise-black-trans-lives-and-unionize/
De, Nikhilesh; StudentNation (March 4, 2015). Students Make the Case for Gender Fluidity. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/students-make-case-gender-fluidity/
McClain, Dani (February 19, 2015). What Can Be Done to Stop the Brutal Targeting of Trans Women? The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/what-can-be-done-stop-brutal-targeting-trans-women/
Zornick, George vJanuary 23, 2015). New Maryland Governor Opens an Assault on Environmental and LGBT Protections. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/new-maryland-governor-opens-assault-environmental-lgbt-protections/
Flanders, Laura (November 25, 2014). Q&A: Eve Ensler on Hillary, Feminism, Revolution and Her New Play. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/qa-eve-ensler-hillary-feminism-revolution-and-her-new-play/
Halberstam, Jack (November 24, 2014). Leslie Feinberg: Defiant Radical, Gender Queer Revolutionary. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/leslie-feinberg-defiant-radical-gender-queer-revolutionary/
Bello, Walden; Foreign Policy In Focus (October 29, 2014). Fatal Encounter: A Transgender Woman Meets the US Marine Corps. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/fatal-encounter-transgender-woman-meets-us-marine-corps/
StudentNation (October 24, 2014). Students Blockade I-75, Stage a âShit-Inâ for Trans Justice and Get âRealâ With George Will. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/students-blockade-i-75-stage-shit-trans-justice-and-get-real-george-will/
Chen, Michelle (July 14, 2014). Hobby Lobby Is Now Discriminating Against a Transgender Employee. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/hobby-lobby-now-discriminating-against-transgender-employee/
Talusan, Meredith (July 10, 2014). Transgender Violence Is a #YesAllWomen Issue. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/transgender-violence-yesallwomen-issue/
Wypijewski, JoAnn (July 2, 2014). Postcards Post-Stonewall. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/postcards-post-stonewall/
Wolff, Tobias Barrington (June 20, 2014). How ENDA Still Allows Discrimination Against LGBT Workers. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/how-enda-still-allows-discrimination-against-lgbt-workers/
Tillet, Salamishah (June 16, 2014). The New Season of âOrange Is the New Blackâ Has a Diverse Cast and a Cynical Heart. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/new-season-orange-new-black-has-diverse-cast-and-cynical-heart/
Smith, Mychal Denzel (June 3, 2014). Justice for Black Trans Women: An Interview With Laverne Cox. The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/justice-black-trans-women-interview-laverne-cox/
Resources
The Nation (thenation.com)
Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
Facebook (facebook.com)
Instagram (instagram.com)
X/Twitter (x.com)
TikTok (tiktok.com)
YouTube (youtube.com)
Bluesky (bsky.app)
Substack (substack.com)
Harper’s Magazine is an American publication founded in 1850. In the 21st century, amid the disruption of journalism and media, the magazine has had a revolving door of editors, leading to a number of questionable decisions that have affected the publication’s reputation.
No transgender journalist has ever appeared on their masthead since its founding in 1850.
“A Letter on Justice and Open Debate”
In 2020, Thomas Chatterton Williams led the effort to draft a letter decrying “illiberalism” with help from Robert Worth, George Packer, David Greenberg, and Mark Lilla. They then sought signatories without divulging who had signed. Because it “was passed among circles of activists and writers,” it is an excellent example of how anti-trans networks operate.
It’s one of the best recent examples of what Julia Serano calls “the Dregerian narrative” in which some elitists claim they are being persecuted or silenced by the minorities they exploit. The list featured an unusually large proportion of “gender critical” mainstays.
Signatories
Elliot Ackerman, Saladin Ambar, Martin Amis, Anne Applebaum, Marie Arana, Margaret Atwood, John Banville, Mia Bay, Louis Begley, Roger Berkowitz, Paul Berman, Sheri Berman, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Neil Blair, David W. Blight, Jennifer Finney Boylan, David Bromwich, David Brooks, Ian Buruma, Lea Carpenter, Noam Chomsky, Nicholas Christakis, Roger Cohen, Frances D. Cook, Drucilla Cornell, Kamel Daoud, Meghan Daum, Gerald Early, Jeffrey Eugenides, Dexter Filkins, Federico Finchelstein, Caitlin Flanagan, Richard T. Ford, Kmele Foster, David Frum, Francis Fukuyama, Atul Gawande, Todd Gitlin, Kim Ghattas, Malcolm Gladwell, Michelle Goldberg, Rebecca Goldstein, Anthony Grafton, David Greenberg, Linda Greenhouse, Kerri Greenidge, Rinne B. Groff, Sarah Haider, Jonathan Haidt, Roya Hakakian, Shadi Hamid, Jeet Heer, Katie Herzog, Susannah Heschel, Adam Hochschild, Arlie Russell Hochschild, Eva Hoffman, Coleman Hughes, Hussein Ibish, Michael Ignatieff, Zaid Jilani, Bill T. Jones, Wendy Kaminer, Matthew Karp, Garry Kasparov, Daniel Kehlmann, Randall Kennedy, Khaled Khalifa, Parag Khanna, Laura Kipnis, Frances Kissling, Enrique Krauze, Anthony Kronman, Joy Ladin, Nicholas Lemann, Mark Lilla, Susie Linfield, Damon Linker, Dahlia Lithwick, Steven Lukes, John R. MacArthur, Susan Madrak, Phoebe Maltz Bovy, Greil Marcus, Wynton Marsalis, Kati Marton, Debra Mashek, Deirdre McCloskey, John McWhorter, Uday Mehta, Andrew Moravcsik, Yascha Mounk, Samuel Moyn, Meera Nanda, Cary Nelson, Olivia Nuzzi, Mark Oppenheimer, Dael Orlandersmith, George Packer, Nell Irvin Painter, Greg Pardlo, Orlando Patterson, Steven Pinker, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Katha Pollitt, Claire Bond Potter, Taufiq Rahim, Zia Haider Rahman, Jennifer Ratner-Rosenhagen, Jonathan Rauch, Neil Roberts, Melvin Rogers, Kat Rosenfield, Loretta J. Ross, J. K. Rowling, Salman Rushdie, Karim Sadjadpour, Daryl Michael Scott, Diana Senechal, Jennifer Senior, Judith Shulevitz, Jesse Singal, Anne-Marie Slaughter, Andrew Solomon, Deborah Solomon, Allison Stanger, Paul Starr, Wendell Steavenson, Gloria Steinem, Nadine Strossen, Ronald S. Sullivan Jr., Kian Tajbakhsh, Zephyr Teachout, Cynthia Tucker, Adaner Usmani, ChloĂ© Valdary, LucĂa MartĂnez Valdivia, Helen Vendler, Judy B. Walzer, Michael Walzer, Eric K. Washington, Caroline Weber, Randi Weingarten, Bari Weiss, Sean Wilentz, Garry Wills, Thomas Chatterton Williams, Robert F. Worth, Molly Worthen, Matthew Yglesias, Emily Yoffe, Cathy Young, Fareed Zakaria
A More Specific Letter on Justice and Open Debate
A letter countering it appeared shortly after that discussed the original’s “gender critical” aims:
The letter reads as a caustic reaction to a diversifying industry â one thatâs starting to challenge institutional norms that have protected bigotry. The writers of the letter use seductive but nebulous concepts and coded language to obscure the actual meaning behind their words, in what seems like an attempt to control and derail the ongoing debate about who gets to have a platform.
In fact, a number of the signatories have made a point of punishing people who have spoken out against them, including Bari Weiss (who made a name for herself as a Columbia University undergrad by harassing and infringing upon the speech of professors she considered to be anti-Israel, and later attempted to shame multiple media outlets into firing freelance journalist Erin Biba for her tweets), Katha Pollitt (whose transphobic rhetoric has extended to trying to deny trans journalists access to professional networking tools), Emily Yoffe (who has spoken out against sexual-assault survivors expressing their free speech rights), Anne-Marie Slaughter (who terminated her Google-funded organizationâs partnership with a Google critic), and Cary Nelson (whose support of free speech, apparently, does not extend to everyone) â just to name a few. What gives them the right to use their platforms to harass others into silence, especially writers with smaller platforms and less institutional support, while preaching that silencing writers is a problem?
Rowling, one of the signers, has spouted transphobic and transmisogynist rhetoric, mocking the idea that trans men could exist, and likening transition-related medical care such as hormone replacement therapy to conversion therapy. She directly interacts with fans on Twitter, publishes letters littered with transphobic rhetoric, and gets away with platforming violent anti-trans speakers to her 14 million followers.
Jesse Singal, another signer, is a cis man infamous for advancing his career by writing derogatorily about trans issues. In 2018, Singal had a cover story in The Atlantic expressing skepticism about the benefits of gender-affirming care for trans youth. No trans writer has been afforded the same space. Singal often faces and dismisses criticism from trans people, but he has a much larger platform than any trans journalist. In fact, a 2018 Jezebel report found that Singal was part of a closed Google listserv of more than 400 left-leaning media elites who praised his work, with not a single out trans person in the group. He also has an antagonistic history with trans journalists, academics, and other writers, dedicating many Medium posts to attempting to refute or discredit their claims and reputations.
Itâs also clear that the organizers of the letter did not communicate clearly and honestly with all the signatories. One invited professor, who did not sign the Harper’s letter, said that he was asked to sign a letter “arguing for bolder, more meaningful efforts at racial and gender inclusion in journalism, academia, and the arts.” The letter in its final form fails to make this argument at all. Another of the signers, author and professor Jennifer Finney Boylan, who is also a trans woman, said on Twitter that she did not know who else had signed it until it was published. Another signatory, Lucia Martinez Valdivia, said in a Medium post: âWhen I asked to know who the other signatories were, the names I was shown were those of people of color from all over the political spectrum, and not those of people who have taken gender-critical or trans-exclusionary positions.â
Under the guise of free speech and free exchange of ideas, the letter appears to be asking for unrestricted freedom to espouse their points of view free from consequence or criticism.
Other critics
Jeff Yang criticized the letter:
It’s hard not to see the letter as merely an elegantly written affirmation of elitism and privilege.
Each has also, in the face of resultant backlash, dismissed rebuttals and positioned themselves as beleaguered victims of the current culture, turning their support for open debate and free expression into an example of stark hypocrisy or sly gaslighting.
That’s because even if the letter were warranted â even if it weren’t an off-note, Olympian statement that reads as self-interested and elitist at best â it’s sure to be used by serial bad actors on the list as a shield against legitimate criticism.
References
[Signatories] (July 7, 2020). A Letter on Justice and Open Debate. Harper’s Magazine https://harpers.org/a-letter-on-justice-and-open-debate/
[Signatories] (July 10, 2020), A More Specific Letter on Justice and Open Debate The Objective https://www.objectivejournalism.org/p/a-more-specific-letter-on-justice
Yang, Jeff (July 10, 2020). The problem with ‘the letter.’ CNN https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/10/opinions/the-letter-harpers-cancel-culture-open-debate-yang/index.html
Ellefson, Lindsey (July 9, 2020). Editor Who Led Harperâs Letter Says The Cancel Culture It Warns of Drove Backlash. The Wrap https://www.thewrap.com/harpers-letter-cancel-culture-backlash-thomas-williams/
McNamara, Mary (July 9, 2020). Column: âCancel cultureâ is not the problem. The Harperâs letter is. Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-07-09/cancel-culture-harpers-letter
Giorgis, Hannah (July 13, 2020). A Deeply Provincial View of Free Speech. The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/07/harpers-letter-free-speech/614080/
The Washington Post is an American media organization. It is considered a paper of record for the United States, along with The New York Times.
Washington Post has covered trans issues with several important initiatives, including the 2023 KFF/The Washington Post Trans Survey.
In December 2024, the Post signaled a significant shift from previous objectivity in trans coverage. This shift came about after the Post was purchased by Jeff Bezos and reorganized to serve the interests of its owner. Amid relentless laundering of anti-trans extremism into mainstream media, the Post began actively participating in that laundering:
- The Editorial Board presented trans healthcare care for minors as a controversy where “the medical questions have not been properly resolved,” citing “scientistsâ failure to study these treatments slowly and systematically,” citing anti-trans activists Jesse Singal and Azeen Ghorayshi among others.
- The Editorial Board then added anti-trans activist Megan McArdle to its roster.
- The Post also hired anti-trans activist Pamela Paul, who promptly began writing the kinds of anti-trans pieces Paul previously wrote for The New York Times.
- In 2025, The Editorial Board wrote two pieces (one in May and one in November) praising the Trump Administration’s US HHS report attacking gender affirming care.
Leadership
- Sally Buzbee, Executive Editor
- Krissah Thompson, Managing Editor
- Justin Bank, Managing Editor
- Barbara Vobejda, Managing Editor
- Monica Norton, Deputy Managing Editor
- Mark W. Smith, Deputy Managing Editor
- Scott Vance, Deputy Managing Editor
- Liz Seymour, Deputy Managing Editor (Newsroom operations, standards and planning)
- Ann Gerhart, Senior Visual Enterprise Editor
- Erika Allen, Head of Audience Strategy and Growth
- Coleen O’Lear, Head of Curation and Platforms
- Carla Broyles, Senior Career Development Editor
- Sommer Mathis, Senior Recruiting Editor
- Terrell Mizell, Senior Recruiting Consultant
- Matea Gold, National Editor
- Phil Rucker, Deputy National Editor
- Douglas Jehl, Foreign Editor
- Jennifer Amur, Deputy Foreign Editor
- Mike Semel, Local Editor
- Maria Glod, Deputy Local Editor
- Ben Williams, Features Editor
- Hank Stuever, Deputy Features Editor
- Tara Parker-Pope, Wellness Editor
- Anjuman Ali, Deputy Wellness Editor
- Lori Montgomery, Business Editor
- Damian Paletta, Deputy Business Editor
- Christina Passariello, Deputy Business Editor
- Jeff Leen, Investigations Editor
- David Fallis, Deputy Investigations Editor
- Eric Rich, Deputy Investigations Editor
- Jason Murray, Sports Editor
- Matthew Rennie, Deputy Sports Editor
- Zachary Goldfarb, Climate and Environment Editor
- Juliet Eilperin, Deputy Climate and Environment Editor
- Meghan Hoyer, Data Reporting Director
- Anu Narayanswamy, Deputy Data Editor
- Micah Gelman, Director of Editorial Video
- David Bruns, Executive Producer
- Lauren Saks, Executive Producer
- MaryAnne Golon, Photography Director
- Robert Miller, Deputy Photography Director
- Dudley Brooks, Deputy Photography Director
- Sandra Stevenson, Deputy Photography Director
- Courtney Rukan, Multiplatform Editing Chief
- Brian Cleveland, Deputy Multiplatform Editor
- Nora Simon, Deputy News Service Editor
- Kenisha Malcolm, Curation Desk Editor
- Anne Bartlett, Live Editing Chief
- Charity Brown, Deputy Newsroom Product Director
- Keith McMillan, General Assignment Editor
- Herman Wong, Deputy General Assignment Editor
Assessments
Statista
“The Washington Post’s credibility fared relatively well in 2022, with a survey revealing that 48 percent of respondents believed the publication to be very or somewhat credible. The Washington Postâs credibility rating was slightly lower than that of The New York Times, and the paper also lost out to The Wall Street Journal in this regard.”
Ad Fontes Media (adfontesmedia.com)
Ad Fontes Media rates Washington Post in the Skews Left category of bias and as Generally Reliable/Analysis OR Other Issues in terms of reliability.
- https://adfontesmedia.com/washington-post-bias-and-reliability/
- Reliability: 38.15
- Bias: -8.75
NewsGuard (newsguardtech.com)
- Standards met:
- Standards failed:
- as of 1 January 2020
Contributors
The following people have had writing about trans issues published in the Washington Post.
Letters of note
- Rachel Cornwell and Liz Matthews
2023 defense of New York Times’ transphobia
In 2023, media critic Erik Wemple published a defense of the New York Times during their anti-trans coverage crisis.
2024 editorial critical of youth gender medicine
In December 2024, the Post signaled a significant shift that reflected relentless laundering of anti-trans extremism into mainstream media.
Without citing any recent research finding low regret rates or citing any countries that have reaffirmed the benefits of gender affirming care for minors, the editorial notes “at least some patients who transitioned later experience regret and suffer the fate the treatments were supposed to avoid: a body that doesnât match their gender identity.”
Signaling their desire to have a politically-appointed non-expert review similar to the UK’s disastrous Cass Review, the Post urged a US non-expert review “overseen by scientists who are not gender medicine practitioners.”
They cited the following:
- the British Cass Review by anti-trans pediatrician Hilary Cass and the subsequent ban of puberty blockers for trans minors (but not cis minors)
- the report by the Norwegian Healthcare Investigation Board (UKOM) criticizing gender affirming care as “experimental”
- the report by Swedish anti-trans activist Mikael LandĂ©n et al criticizing gender affirming care as “experimental”
- a paper by Carmichael et al, ignoring that overall patient experience was positive, focusing instead on psychological function, which The Post characterized as “lackluster results”
- anti-trans activist Jesse Singal’s blog post critical of a New England Journal of Medicine paper on psychosocial functioning, in which The Post claimed NEJM “massaged the results”
- an Economist piece attacking WPATH
- a Boston Globe piece about psychologist Amy Tishelman’s lawsuit against Boston Childrenâs Hospital
- a New York Times piece by anti-trans activist Azeen Ghorayshi attacking pediatrician Johanna Olson-Kennedy
Anti-trans activists lauded the editorial, including Leor Sapir, Jesse Singal, Benjamin Ryan, Lisa Selin Davis, and Partners for Ethical Care. The editorial was praised by consistently anti-trans conservative platforms, including National Review, Catholic Vote, Ovarit, and X.
The authors were:
- Mary Duenwald
- James Hohmann
- Charles Lane, Deputy Opinion Editor
- Eduardo Porter
- Keith B. Richburg
- David Shipley, Opinion Editor
- Stephen Stromberg, Deputy Opinion Editor
May 2025 editorial praising Trump’s HHS report
In May 2025, the Trump Administration’s Department of Health & Human Services published a report designed to give cover for banning transgender healthcare for minors. The Post’s Editorial Board described it as “a careful, thorough and definitely skeptical tour through the subject,” adding that “it makes a legitimate case for caution that policymakers need to wrestle with.”
The authors were
- Mary Duenwald
- Robert Gebelhoff
- James Hohmann
- Megan McArdle
- Eduardo Porter
- Keith B. Richburg
- David Shipley, Opinion Editor
- Stephen Stromberg, Deputy Opinion Editor
November 2025 editorial praising Trump’s HHS report
After the HHS report came out, researchers discovered evidence that anti-trans philosopher Alex Byrne was a contributor. In June, the Post ran an article by Byrne admitting involvement.
In November 2025, HHS re-released the report and revealed the names of the nine contributors, all of whom are deeply involved in attacking trans healthcare for minors.
Critics will note that many of these contributors question the evidence for pediatric medical transition, though that was fairly obvious from the report itself. But these are not ideological cranks; they are thoughtful researchers. Their core finding â that the evidence for these interventions is highly uncertain â echoes the results of systematic reviews in other countries. None of the peer reviews of the HHS report ultimately rebut that conclusion.
The authors were
- David Shipley
- Charles Lane
- Stephen Stromberg
- Mary Duenwald
- James Hohmann
- Eduardo Porter
- Keith B. Richburg
References
Wilchins, Riki (December 20, 2024). The Anti-Care Playbook. Assigned Media https://www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-news/washington-post-anti-care-playbook
Lazine, Mira (December 16, 2024). Opinion: Washington Post Editorial Board Misleadingly Attacks Care Of Trans Youth. Erin in the Morning https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/opinion-washington-post-editorial
Schorr, Isaac (December 16, 2024). Washington Post Editorial Board Declares There Is âReason to Worryâ About Transgender Treatments for Kids. Mediaite https://www.mediaite.com/news/washington-post-editorial-board-declares-there-is-reason-to-worry-about-transgender-treatments-for-kids/
Berry, Susan (December 18, 2024). Washington Post admits subjecting children to âtransgender medicineâ not based on âscience.â Catholic Vote https://catholicvote.org/washington-post-admits-subjecting-children-to-transgender-medicine-not-based-on-science/
Butler, Jack (December 17, 2024). Transgender Skepticism from . . . the Washington Post? National Review https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/transgender-skepticism-from-the-washington-post/
Selected anti-trans publications
Editorial Board (November 19, 2025). What we still donât know about pediatric medical transition. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/11/19/transgender-pediatric-medical-transition-hhs-report/ alt title Questions linger about the safety of pediatric medical transition
Paul, Pamela (October 31, 2025). The Growing Divide in the Rainbow Coalition. Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/us-news/the-growing-divide-in-the-rainbow-coalition-1128015b
Byrne, Alex (June 26, 2025). I co-wrote the anonymous HHS report on pediatric gender medicine. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/06/26/hhs-review-anonymous-author/
Editorial Board (May 11, 2025). Good questions about transgender care: The authors of a new HHS report make a case against pediatric gender transition. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/05/11/transgender-care-pediatric-transition/
Editorial Board (December 15, 2024). Look to science, not law, for real answers on youth gender medicine. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/12/15/skrmetti-case-youth-transition-trans-supreme-court/ alt title: Opinion | Skrmetti court case wonât settle questions about youth gender medicine.
McArdle, Megan (February 2, 2023). Opinion: When kids consider transitioning, parents need to be involved. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/02/kids-transitioning-parents-debate/
McArdle, Megann (January 13, 2022). Opinion: We need to be able to talk about trans athletes and womenâs sports. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/01/13/trans-women-sports-uncomfortable-questions/
McArdle, Megan (May 2, 2023). Opinion: Missouriâs effort to limit gender treatments for adults is a bad idea. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/02/missouri-transgender-medical-limits-bad-idea/
McArdle, Megan (June 19, 2018). Opinion: Who should we listen to on gender dysphoric children? Everyone. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/who-should-we-listen-to-on-gender-dysphoric-children-everyone/2018/06/19/a62f8882-73fd-11e8-9780-b1dd6a09b549_story.html
McArdle, Megan (April 21, 2023). Opinion: For conservatives, Dylan Mulvaney should be a role model. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/04/21/dylan-mulvaney-bud-light-trans-conservatives/
McArdle, Megan (February 24, 2022 ). Opinion: Donât forget the other women swimming against Lia Thomas. [alt title: Donât forget the other women in the pool]. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/02/24/lia-thomas-ivy-league-swimming-championships/
Resources
The Washington Post (washingtonpost.com)
Britannica (britannica.com)
Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
WorldCat (worldcat.org)