Episode 1767: James Lindsay
Introduction
Episode 1767 of the Joe Rogan Experience, featuring James Lindsay (aired January 20, 2022), provided a platform for dangerous anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and conspiracy theories that have contributed to real-world harm against marginalized communities. While Lindsay gained initial credibility through the “grievance studies affair” in 2017-2018, he has since become one of the leading voices in reactionary anti-LGBTQ and conspiracy propaganda movements.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified Lindsay as a key figure spreading extremist rhetoric, including the popularization of “groomer” as a slur against LGBTQ educators and activists. This episode exemplifies how platforming individuals who spread harmful conspiracy theories can amplify dangerous narratives that lead to real-world violence and discrimination.
The “Groomer” Slur and Anti-LGBTQ Rhetoric
Lindsay’s Role in Spreading Harmful Narratives
James Lindsay has been credited as one of several public figures responsible for popularizing “groomer” as a slur directed at LGBTQ educators and activists by members of the political right. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Lindsay was among the top ten people responsible for driving the “grooming” narrative on Twitter, and in the month following the passage of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, the volume of “grooming” related content increased by 406%.
Source: Human Rights Campaign Report on Anti-LGBTQ+ Grooming Narrative
Lindsay has publicly stated that “Queer theory is the doctrine of a religious cult. That cult is based on sex. That cult primarily targets children” - rhetoric that falsely characterizes LGBTQ inclusion as predatory behavior.
The “Groomer” Narrative Is False and Harmful
The Anti-Defamation League explicitly states that “there is no reliable evidence that sexual minorities are more likely to abuse children.” The ADL further explains that “far-right and extremist voices have launched attacks against the LGBTQ+ community through repeated false claims that LGBTQ+ people are ‘pedophiles’ who are ‘grooming’ children in order to abuse them.”
Source: ADL: What is “Grooming?” The Truth Behind the Dangerous, Bigoted Lie
In 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that the word “groomer” is a slur when used to attack LGBT people and drag performers, and is therefore not protected speech under anti-SLAPP laws.
Source: Wikipedia: LGBTQ grooming conspiracy theory
Real-World Harm
The false “groomer” conspiracy theory was the most-cited anti-LGBTQ+ trope in 2022, with at least 191 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents of harassment, vandalism, and assault making explicit references to “grooming” or “pedophilia.” According to congressional testimony, social media influencers such as James Lindsay have helped stoke hatred against LGBTQ+ persons and groups, contributing to increased protests and attacks.
Source: ADL and GLAAD Report on Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Incidents
Conspiracy Theories and Extremist Rhetoric
Cultural Marxism and Communist Takeover
Lindsay regularly shares conspiracy theories about the supposed communist takeover of the world, particularly the United States. The Southern Poverty Law Center notes that he spreads conspiracy theories about “cultural Marxism/communism,” a narrative rooted in antisemitic conspiracy theories about Frankfurt School thinkers.
Source: SPLC Extremist Files: James Lindsay
White Genocide Theory
Lindsay has promoted the “white genocide” theory, claiming that Marxists want to eradicate the white race. In 2021, Lindsay wrote on Twitter that “there will be” a genocide of whites if critical race theory “isn’t stopped.” This rhetoric echoes white supremacist conspiracy theories.
Source: SPLC Extremist Files: James Lindsay
New World Order Conspiracy
Lindsay promotes the New World Order conspiracy theory, which alleges a communist plot to create a totalitarian world government. These types of conspiracy theories have historically been associated with far-right extremist movements.
Source: SPLC Extremist Files: James Lindsay
The Problem with Platforming
By giving James Lindsay a three-hour platform without meaningful pushback on his conspiracy theories and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, this episode amplified harmful narratives that have contributed to real-world violence and discrimination. While Lindsay may have legitimate criticisms of certain academic trends, his rhetoric has evolved far beyond academic critique into extremist conspiracy theories that target vulnerable communities.
The episode demonstrates how podcast platforms can serve as vehicles for normalizing extremist viewpoints by presenting them alongside legitimate intellectual discourse, making it difficult for audiences to distinguish between valid criticism and dangerous conspiracy theories.
Conclusion
Episode 1767 represents a concerning example of how the Joe Rogan Experience has platformed individuals whose rhetoric contributes to real-world harm. James Lindsay’s promotion of the “groomer” slur and various conspiracy theories is not legitimate academic discourse - it is extremist rhetoric that has been linked to hundreds of incidents of harassment and violence against LGBTQ people.
Listeners should be aware that Lindsay’s claims about LGBTQ people “targeting children” have been thoroughly debunked by organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and have no basis in credible evidence. The conspiracy theories he promotes about “cultural Marxism,” “white genocide,” and communist takeover are rooted in extremist ideologies, not legitimate analysis.
For accurate information about LGBTQ issues and education, consult: