49 - Archives of an Epidemic: A conversation w/ Benjamin Boyce

Over the last number of years, Benjamin Boyce has become known for his prolific and powerful video content on the impact of social justice. Among his most-watched content is a huge series of conversations about sex, gender, identity, and transition. He was among the first to platform detransitioners’ stories and investigate the issue of childhood transition. In this episode, we delve deep into Benjamin’s childhood and find out why he has committed to exposing the underlying problems associated with identity politics. Links:  Benjamin’s YouTube: Youtube.com/channel/UCm13xHVNFVwzHzK3QHSaZ3Q Benjamin on Apple Podcasts: Podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/calmversations/id1447774150  Playlist: gender, sexuality and transition Youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRdayXEOwuMH3f0pmZqVQUU62rgJIzvt9  Evergreen playlist: Youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRdayXEOwuMG1jaAtJE0KbpyY_Kh-JTUl  VeeraYoutube.com/watch?v=YLkBk2bBp_c Father and son, Ash and RaphaelYoutube.com/watch?v=FoEWbVviOpkExtended Notes:A little bit about Benjamin and why he got started in this kind of work. What was he like as a child?Benjamin’s father was deeply devoted to his town’s pastor, but as time went on, this man became more and more controlling over Benjamin’s family. They accused his mother of being possessed and rearranged family structures in the community. Benjamin “inherited” two siblings.After leaving that town, Benjamin’s family moved around constantly. He always felt like an outsider.Benjamin, following in his dad’s dreams of wanting to be a pastor, also always wanted to be a pastor.Why did Benjamin decide to start a YouTube channel?Benjamin talks about his experience at Evergreen State College and why it was so chaotic.In California, there were a ton of weird cults happening in the ’70s and ’80s.Benjamin talks about a weird cascading effect that happened around pronouns and Jordan Peterson. It was all about the trans issue. He noticed some patterns between Evergreen and how people were addressing the trans issue.If you want to get good at any craft, you have to create. You have to take action.What is this trans thing all about, really? Benjamin was curious.Have the activists attacked Benjamin for his opinions?In the end, Benjamin just wants to have good conversations.Benjamin does believe that there is an erosion of masculinity in today’s society and the way certain trends are currently going.This podcast is partially sponsored by ReIME, Rethink Identity Medicine Ethics:Rethinkime.orgLearn more about our show: Linktr.ee/WiderLensPod This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe