Strange Bedfellows Part III: Backlash

Strange Bedfellows Part III: Backlash

From Reflector by Longview

April 2, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

The episode explores the controversies surrounding sex education and LGBTQ activism in America.

The final chapter of Reflector’s tour of LGBTQ activism examines some of the controversies currently roiling society—starting with a look at one of the most contentious subjects in American history: sex education. With interviews with some of the minds behind the National Sex Education Standards, reporter Ben Kawaller offers a rare look into the philosophical underpinnings of the new ideas about sex and gender that have taken root throughout American society, what they reveal about the tensions between “gay” and “queer,” and what they might spell for the future of the movement—and for America. THIS EPISODE FEATURES:Dr. Eva Goldfarb – Professor of Public Health at Montclair State University.Madelaine Adelman – Justice Studies professor at Arizona State University and former GLSEN board member.Alison Macklin – Policy and advocacy director at Sex Ed for Social Change (SIECUS).Jennifer Finney Boylan – Transgender author, former president of PEN America and former contributing opinion writer for the New York Times.Ben Appel – Journalist and author of Cis White Gay: The Making of a Gender Heretic.Dana Beyer – Early transgender advocate.Herndon Graddick – Former president of GLAAD.Lorri…

People in this episode

Guests: Dr. Eva Goldfarb, Madelaine Adelman, Alison Macklin, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Ben Appel, Dana Beyer, Herndon Graddick, Lorri Jean

Topics covered

  • LGBTQ activism
  • sex education
  • gender identity
  • social controversies
  • American society

Keywords

  • LGBTQ
  • sex education
  • activism
  • gender
  • American society
  • controversies
  • philosophical underpinnings

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Sex Education Standards, Sex Ed for Social Change (SIECUS), GLAAD, Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center

Books & works: Too Hot to Handle: A Global History of Sex Ed, Rights, Respect, Responsibility: A K–12 Sex Education Curriculum

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