Panic World

Did Tumblr turn kids trans? (With Vera Drew)

20 Nov 2024

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Part of the reason Republicans ran away with the 2024 election is because they used misinformation to make millions of people think that the government was trying to forcibly transition their kids. So, this week we’re investigating some of the origins of that scaremongering by looking at the conspiracy theory that Tumblr turned an entire generation trans. How did this theory spread? And what did Tumblr actually do to our brains? Vera Drew joins us to speak to her experience navigating the internet as a trans person, and the impact online communities like Tumblr had and continue to have on young queer folks. Our guest Vera Drew is the director and star of The People’s Joker. You can look for screenings or purchase the film (plus merch!) at https://www.thepeoplesjoker.com/. Want even more Panic World content? Like ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to the Garbage Day Discord? Sign up for a membership at: https://www.patreon.com/PanicWorld. Want to sponsor Panic World? Ad sales & marketing support by Multitude, hit them up here: ⁠http://multitude.productions⁠. Credits - Host: Ryan Broderick - Producer: Grant Irving - Researcher: Adam Bumas - Business Manager: Josh Fjelstad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Panic World

Did Tumblr turn kids trans? (With Vera Drew)

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other episodes from Panic World

Why AI cat videos are becoming the internet’s newest weird obsession

How trad wives took over the internet — from 4chan to TikTok

You're one post away from becoming the internet's main character

PREVIEW BONUS: Clavicular's crash out and the death of clipping

When sex is "optimized"

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