James Lindsay, a prominent author and critic of contemporary academic theories, recently asserted that "Queer Theory, trans and gender ideology, etc., are doctrines of a postmodern gnostic cult." The statement was shared via a tweet from the official New Discourses account, a platform co-founded by Lindsay. This characterization reflects Lindsay's ongoing critique of various social justice frameworks.
Lindsay is widely known for his involvement in the "grievance studies affair" in 2017-2018, where he and colleagues submitted hoax papers to academic journals to highlight what they perceived as a lack of rigor in certain fields. His work, including the book Cynical Theories, frequently examines what he terms "applied postmodernism" and its influence on areas like gender studies and critical race theory. He argues that these academic movements operate with characteristics akin to religious cults, particularly Gnosticism.
New Discourses, the organization that published the tweet, describes its mission as exposing "the harms of Critical Social Justice and its related ideologies." The platform, which is owned by Michael O'Fallon's Sovereign Nations, a Christian nationalist organization, provides articles, podcasts, and educational resources aimed at resisting these perceived "destructive forces." Their content consistently challenges concepts central to modern social justice discourse.
Academically, Queer Theory emerged in the early 1990s from queer studies and women's studies, challenging fixed identities related to gender and sexuality. It posits that these categories are social constructs rather than inherent realities, focusing on the deconstruction of binaries and a critique of heteronormativity. This interdisciplinary field has significantly influenced discussions on LGBTQ+ rights and identity within academia.
Lindsay's strong assertions contribute to a broader public debate surrounding the nature and influence of academic theories on gender and identity. His framing of these concepts as a "cult" underscores a significant ideological divide. The ongoing discourse highlights contrasting views on the foundational principles of identity and societal structures.