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In a thought-provoking commentary, journalist Andrew Sullivan argues that the LGBTQ movement is faltering in America due to its increasing radicalization.
In an opinion piece published by the New York Times, Sullivan reflects on how the LGBTQ rights movement has shifted from achieving significant civil rights milestones to adopting extreme views that alienate a broad segment of American society. He criticizes the push for radical changes, such as attempts to redefine biological norms and support for transgender treatments in minors, while vilifying those who disagree with these positions.
“Rather than celebrating their hard-won victories and remaining vigilant against threats to the accomplishments—such as the decline of H.I.V. as a major health crisis—gay and lesbian rights organizations have become increasingly radical,” Sullivan elaborates, noting the influence of a broader liberal shift toward what he characterizes as ‘social justice’ extremism.
Shift From Civil Rights to Radical Ideologies
Sullivan explains how the focus of the LGBTQ movement transitioned after successfully securing rights for gay and transgender individuals in recent decades. He describes it as evolving into a “new and radical gender revolution,” which, according to him, aims to dismantle what activists perceive as the oppression dictated by traditional gender binaries. Sullivan warns that these changes are dissolving longstanding distinctions between men and women and are replacing biological sex with the concept of gender identity in both law and culture.
He further notes that contemporary LGBTQ advocates have reimagined homosexuality, viewing it not as a fixed aspect of human existence but as a form of ideological ‘queerness’ intended to challenge societal norms in numerous ways.
The Evolution of LGBTQ Terminology
Sullivan highlights how the terms used within the LGBTQ community have drastically changed over time. He points out that the traditional labels like “gay” and “lesbian” have been eclipsed by a broader concept that encompasses LGBTQ+ and more, including various niche identities suggested to make space for over seventy different ‘genders’.
He argues that the label “queer” serves as an umbrella term for this new approach and signifies a departure from the foundational goals of previous gay and lesbian civil rights movements.
A Call for Reason Amidst Change
Though Sullivan acknowledges some positive developments within the modern LGBTQ landscape, he expresses skepticism towards the more radical elements. He states, “I still don’t accept that being male or female is separable from biology. My own sexual orientation hinges on the biological distinctions between genders.” He questions the notion that these differences should be disregarded entirely.
Labeling the push to abolish the sex binary as “madness,” he asserts that such a radical change impacts the entire society profoundly. He raises the hypothetical concern of redefining heterosexuality to accommodate new ideological frameworks, emphasizing the potential chaos of imposing these ideals on everyone.
Ignoring the Rights of Children
Another significant concern Sullivan raises is the focus on children’s sexual orientation within the modern LGBTQ movement. He suggests that this shift represents a profound strategic misstep. Historically, there existed an unspoken agreement within the gay rights movement to keep children out of contentious discussions, understanding that overreach could trigger dangerous stereotypes about LGBTQ individuals.
However, he notes how current advocates are now concentrating their efforts on children, teaching them that gender identity can be fluid, even permitting biological males to compete in female sports. In some scenarios, children are introduced to concepts of gender identity at school without parental consent.
The Dangers of Radical Gender Ideology
Among the most controversial issues discussed by Sullivan is the endorsement of gender-affirming care for minors, which he highlights as potentially leading to irreversible decisions regarding their bodies.
As he details these radical positions, he brings attention to polling data that indicates diminishing support for the LGBTQ movement among the general public. Quoting Gallup, Sullivan emphasizes that a rising percentage of Americans believe transgender athletes should compete only on teams aligned with their gender assigned at birth. For instance, the survey revealed a jump from 62 percent in 2021 to 69 percent in 2023 on this issue.
Furthermore, he references additional polls indicating a drop in support for transgender athletes competing according to their gender identity from 40 percent in 2021 to 30 percent by 2023. Interest in imposing restrictions on medical care related to gender transitions for minors also rose, with 56 percent in favor of bans today as opposed to 46 percent just a year earlier.
The Future of the LGBTQ Movement
Sullivan concludes by reflecting on the implications that this radical turn could have on the movement’s ability to maintain its foothold among moderate and conservative populations. He points to a notable decline in Republican support for same-sex marriage, which fell from 55 percent in 2022 to 46 percent by 2025.
In his closing remarks, Sullivan passionately urges his fellow liberals to safeguard the hard-earned rights achieved by previous generations and to resist sacrificing these successes for extreme ideologies. He implores, “Let’s not throw away our victories.”
