Exploring the intersections of prejudice and pseudoscience
In our society, we often encounter deeply entrenched beliefs that deny the reality of marginalised identities and experiences. The dismissal of queer and non-binary individuals and the widespread disregard for animal sentience share disturbing parallels and patterns of prejudice and pseudoscience. In this blog post, we'll examine how bioessentialism – the flawed notion that immutable biological traits define identity – has been used to oppress both human and non-human beings, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary.
Bioessentialism and the denial of queer or gender nonconforming identity
At the heart of the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights lies the battle against bioessentialism, or the idea that one's gender identity and sexual orientation are innate, immutable characteristics determined solely by biological factors. This narrow, reductionist view has been used to deny the existence and legitimacy of queer and non-binary identities, relegating them to the realm of "unnatural" or "abnormal" deviations from a mythical "default" state of being.
When bioessentialism as a pseudoscientific ideology persists, it fuels discrimination, marginalisation, and the erasure of queer and non-binary individuals; however, research has soundly debunked the notion that biological sex and gender identity are neatly aligned, demonstrating the rich diversity of human gender expression and sexual orientation.
Indian American cultures:
Many Native American tribes, such as the Navajo, Zuni and Lakota, have long recognised identities beyond the male/female gender binary. The Navajo acknowledge Nádleeh, individuals who express a mixture of masculine and feminine traits. Anthropological studies have documented the social and spiritual roles of Nádleeh individuals in Navajo culture, with non-binary or Two-Spirit people often having important roles in society as healers, shamans, or wise leaders. Additionally, one's gender identity was not inherently tied to sexual orientation, but was rather an indicator of one’s role in society.
Taiwanese Paiwan culture:
The Paiwan people of Taiwan recognize the identity of Adu or adju, which refers to persons assigned male at birth who exhibit feminine characteristics and typically take a male partner. Despite the high conversion rates of Christianity, adju individuals are integrated into Paiwan society.
Thai and Indian Cultures:
Hijras in India and Kathoey in Thailand are recognised as individuals who identify outside the male/female binary. These identities have been documented in both historical and contemporary anthropological and sociological studies.
By acknowledging the historical and cross-cultural recognition of gender diversity, we can challenge the narrow, bioessentialist understanding of gender and extend our circle of moral consideration to all sentient beings, paving the way for greater empathy, justice and ethical progress.
Carnism and the denial of animal sentience
Similar patterns of prejudice and pseudoscience can be observed in the realm of human-animal relations, specifically in the dominant ideology of carnism – the belief that it is natural and necessary to consume animal-derived products. At the heart of carnism lies the denial of animal sentience; namely, the dismissal of the emotional and cognitive capacities of non-human beings.
Extensive scientific evidence has established that a wide range of animals, from mammals to birds to fishes possess the neurological structures and biochemical processes associated with the ability to experience pain, suffering, and a range of emotions. Yet, this scientific reality is often overshadowed by the prevailing cultural narrative that animals are mere ‘resources’ to be exploited for human benefit.
The harmful spread of misinformation: parallels between anti-LGBTQIA+ and animal agriculture campaigns
Marginalisation and discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community have persisted, in part, due to the widespread dissemination of misinformation and disinformation campaigns by anti-LGBTQIA+ organisations. These malicious efforts have perpetuated harmful stereotypes and fueled public discourse that denies the very existence of gender and sexual minorities. Sadly, this has led to increased marginalisation and a concerning rise in hate crimes, especially in the United States. A 2021 study by the Williams Institute at UCLA Law found that transgender and gender non-conforming individuals experienced disproportionately high rates of violence, with 79% of victims of hate crimes based on gender identity being transgender women. This epidemic of violence is exacerbated by the normalisation of anti LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, much of which is rooted in misinformation campaigns.
These tactics bear a striking similarity to the efforts of the meat, dairy and seafood industries to deny the sentience of the animals they exploit. For example, the dairy industry has long promoted the myth that cows "naturally" produce milk for human consumption, ignoring the reality that dairy cows are forcibly impregnated and have their calves taken from them. Similarly, the fishing industry has employed misleading narratives to justify the continued exploitation of marine life, despite overwhelming scientific evidence of fish sentience.
The Freedom Food Alliance, a coalition of animal advocacy organisations, recently exposed some of these deceptive tactics, highlighting the animal agriculture industry's use of ‘astroturfing’ (the creation of fake grassroots movements) and the strategic funding of pseudoscientific studies to cast doubt on the overwhelming evidence of animal sentience. The parallels between campaigns against human and nonhuman animals underscore the urgent need to critically examine and challenge the mis- and disinformation that threaten the rights and well-being of both marginalised human communities and other sentient animals.
The consequences of denying sentience
The denial of sentience, whether in the context of queer identities or animal welfare, has devastating consequences. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, the refusal to acknowledge their lived experiences and the unique challenges they face perpetuates a culture of marginalisation, discrimination, and intolerance — to the degree that members of this community suffer higher rates of mental health conditions, suicide and violence. Similarly, the dismissal of animal sentience enables the continued exploitation and suffering of sentient beings on an unimaginable scale, as they are subjected to cruel practices in the name of human convenience and profit.
Moving towards a just and compassionate future
To create a more just and compassionate world, we must confront the underlying biases and pseudoscientific narratives that fuel the denial of marginalised identities and experiences, both human and non-human. By embracing the scientific evidence, validating the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, and extending our circle of moral consideration to all sentient beings, we can challenge the oppressive ideologies of bioessentialism and by proxy, carnism, paving the way for a future of greater understanding and empathy, and a just, equitable and compassionate world for all.
Darice is a non-binary Taiwanese American writer, artist, activist, journalist, host, speaker, and filmmaker that has been featured on Netflix “Midnight Asia” for their drag persona Dan Dan Demolition.
As an activist they are passionate about intersectional and inclusive women’s, human, and animal rights, while integrating principles of non-violence, consistent anti-oppression, climate change mitigation and ethical sustainable living.
Follow Darice on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and on their website.
The views expressed by our bloggers are not necessarily the views of The Vegan Society.
