Colin Wright, an evolutionary biologist and vocal critic of gender ideology, has publicly accused an unnamed article of being "propaganda" designed to mislead readers and solicit donations. In a recent tweet, Wright asserted that the piece "expends over 1000 words to say nothing of substance, while deliberately obscuring reality just enough to frighten progressives and old-school gay-rights supporters into opening their wallets."
Wright, known for his firm stance on the biological definition of sex, further contended that the article "repurposes the language of the gay-rights movement to manipulate people into running defense for an ideology that is, at its core, hostile to the very movement they claim to champion." This statement reflects his consistent commentary on the perceived tensions between traditional gay rights advocacy and certain aspects of contemporary gender identity discourse.
As a senior editor at the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR) and a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, Wright frequently engages in public discussions differentiating biological sex from gender identity. He has previously argued that an expansive interpretation of gender identity can undermine the rights and protections historically established for women and homosexual individuals, which are often predicated on biological sex. His views are often associated with the "gender-critical" perspective, which emphasizes the immutability of biological sex.
The tweet underscores a significant debate within broader progressive and LGBTQ+ communities regarding the evolving definitions of sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Critics aligned with Wright's viewpoint suggest that certain interpretations of gender identity theory obscure biological realities, potentially redefining terms such as "gay" or "lesbian" in ways that diverge from their traditional understanding based on same-sex attraction. They argue this could dilute the foundational principles of the gay rights movement.
Wright's commentary highlights a complex interplay of language, identity, and political strategy. He implies that the article in question exploits the historical and emotional resonance of the gay rights movement to advance an agenda he believes is fundamentally at odds with its original objectives, particularly by blurring the lines between sex and gender. This ongoing discussion reveals ideological divisions and differing priorities within various advocacy circles.