Switch Hitter

Switch Hitter, authored by Julia Serano, explores themes of gender, sexuality, science, and social justice, effectively intertwining academic insight with activist perspectives. It challenges anti-trans rhetoric, scrutinizes societal norms, and evaluates the intersection of online platforms with activism, while also covering the nuances of being a trans artist and the scientific scrutiny of gender theories.

Gender Identity Sexuality Science and Pseudoscience Social Justice Issues Online Media and Activism Trans Rights and Anti-Trans Legislation Creative Writing and Literature

The hottest Substack posts of Switch Hitter

And their main takeaways

Trans People and Sports: Everything You Need to Know

1415 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Transgender rights Athletics Gender identity Social justice
  1. Trans women athletes do not dominate women's sports. Studies show that after transitioning and hormone therapy, they often compete at levels similar to cis women, so claims of unfair advantage are not supported by evidence.
  2. Anti-trans sports bans are part of a broader strategy to restrict the rights of trans people. These bans are not just about sports but aim to undermine trans people's existence in various public spheres.
  3. The controversies around trans women in sports often stem from misunderstandings about gender and biology. Much of the debate is less about fairness in competition and more about protecting an outdated perception of gender purity.

two new YouTube video essays!

438 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Media Feminism Celebrity Transgender Relationships
  1. New YouTube videos explore parasocial relationships and gender issues. They look closely at how fans' behavior can mimic harassment.
  2. One video challenges the idea that trans people reinforce gender stereotypes. It argues that this view is based on flawed logic and double standards.
  3. There are plans for more video essays in the future, covering various topics. The creator is still committed to writing while expanding to video content.

What Is a Woman? (a response)

2352 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
  1. Words can have different meanings depending on the context.
  2. The question 'What is a woman?' is often used by anti-trans activists to push their agenda.
  3. Debates about gender issues can fail when one side oversimplifies or targets a minority group.
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Substackers Against Nazis

757 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
  1. Substack publishers are raising concerns about the platforming and monetizing of Nazis
  2. There are known instances of Nazis and white supremacists on Substack with thousands of subscribers and paid content
  3. Several prominent Substackers have left the platform due to concerns over platforming white nationalism

Autogynephilia, Junk Science, and Pseudoscience

498 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
  1. The scientific method involves forming hypotheses and testing them through experiments.
  2. Junk science occurs when research methods are biased to support a specific hypothesis.
  3. Pseudoscience happens when a hypothesis is unsupported by evidence but is still promoted as valid science.

Whipping Girl 3rd Edition to Be Released in March 2024!

498 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. The 3rd edition of Whipping Girl will be released in March 2024 with an updated cover and a new Afterword on trans youth and moral panics.
  2. The book aims to counter anti-trans talking points, shed light on the anti-trans backlash, and summarize research on the anti-trans parent movement.
  3. The cover of the 3rd edition has been revamped to highlight the theme of 'the scapegoating of femininity' and aims to challenge conventional views on femininity.

My Best Writings of 2023

299 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
  1. The author wrote several comprehensive responses to anti-trans talking points.
  2. The author also wrote shorter, less research-intensive essays that they are proud of.
  3. The author plans to continue posting essays in 2024 and is working on a video.

Why I’m on Substack Now

179 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
  1. Author explains reasons for joining Substack despite initial reservations about the platform.
  2. Author discusses challenges in navigating different online platforms due to changes in accessibility and content policies.
  3. Author emphasizes the importance of meeting potential readers on popular platforms like Substack to reach a wider audience.

Kat Cataclysm and NaNoWriMo 2023

99 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
  1. Julia Serano's debut novel '99 Erics' won multiple book awards in 2021.
  2. She's working on a new Kat Cataclysm novel and participating in NaNoWriMo 2023.
  3. Her best fiction writing process involves letting her unconscious mind improvise.

KOSA: A Nationwide Anti-Trans/LGBTQ+ Bill in All but Name

4 HN points • 12 Sep 23
  1. Conservatives have proposed numerous bills targeting LGBTQ+ communities, framed as 'protecting children.'
  2. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is a nationwide bill that could lead to censorship of LGBTQ+ content online.
  3. It's important to contact senators and representatives to express opposition to the KOSA bill and spread awareness.