Organized Transphobia and the University

Abstract

In this brief commentary, I want to address two issues raised by Joanne Boucher’s talk at the University of Winnipeg, “The Commodification of the Human Body: The Case of Transgender Identities.” First, there is the problem of how universities should handle events on their campuses that appear to target, disparage, or objectify a marginalized group. Especially in the United States, this has become a familiar problem, often posed by actors aiming to spark controversy, gain attention for intolerant claims, and perhaps be “canceled.” Second, there is the fact that Boucher’s talk took place within the context of a large-scale, organized anti-trans campaign, which is global, but especially visible in the United States.