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Chicago Scientist Launches “Transquake” Experiment to Challenge Anti-Trans Rhetoric
In a bold fusion of science and activism, Chicago-based human geneticist Jey McCreight is preparing to put a provocative question to the test: What happens if transgender people become “too powerful” all at once?
The experiment, dubbed a “transquake,” will unfold on April 25 – DNA Day – as part of a worldwide day of action. While the premise might sound whimsical, McCreight’s initiative addresses serious concerns about the misuse of scientific language to justify discrimination against transgender individuals.
“They’re saying trans people are this horrible, scary, evil, powerful force that’s destroying the world,” McCreight explained. “Well, if they think we’re so powerful, that’s a testable hypothesis.”
The transquake event marks the official launch of Beyond X&Y, McCreight’s new educational advocacy campaign designed to counter what they describe as a growing wave of anti-transgender misinformation cloaked in scientific terminology.
As state legislatures across America continue passing laws restricting transgender rights – often citing biology as justification – McCreight argues that actual scientists have a responsibility to correct the record with factual information about biological sex and gender.
“These are fringe, right-wing activists trying to act like they represent science, and scientists have a duty to push back on ideas that are unscientific and being used to harm people,” McCreight said.
The transquake concept draws inspiration from McCreight’s viral “boobquake” movement in 2010. As a biology student at Purdue University, they inadvertently started worldwide rallies after writing a satirical blog post challenging an Iranian cleric’s claim that immodestly dressed women caused earthquakes.
For this latest experiment, McCreight encourages participants to “maximize the amount of transness in the world” over a 24-hour period to see what consequences might follow. “Will we trigger an earthquake under Mar a Lago? Will lightning strike a certain moldy castle in Scotland?” McCreight asks with a touch of humor. “Let’s test whether we are actually that powerful.”
Chicago residents can join the official Transquake variety hour from 5-6:30 p.m. on April 25 at the Lincoln Lodge on Milwaukee Avenue. The science-themed show will feature standup comedy and drag performances from transgender and queer artists, alongside a participatory experiment led by McCreight. Tickets are available for $18.48.
Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to participate virtually by expressing “queer joy” on social media using the hashtag #transquake and tagging @beyondxandy.
McCreight brings a unique perspective to this initiative, combining professional expertise with personal experience. After earning a Ph.D. from the University of Washington, they led science communication efforts at 23andMe, where they helped translate complex genetic research for public understanding and advocated for inclusive approaches to sex and gender in data collection.
Their interest in science, particularly regarding biological sex diversity, was partly driven by their own gender identity journey. Growing up in Northwest Indiana with little transgender representation, McCreight often turned to science textbooks for answers.
“I remember as a 16-year-old looking at my genetics books and learning about intersex variations, realizing I felt like a boy and that sex isn’t as simple as people say,” McCreight recalled.
The transquake experiment represents just the beginning of what McCreight envisions for Beyond X&Y, which they hope will grow into a comprehensive media campaign featuring podcasts, videos, articles, and community events.
“I want to do fun things for the trans community in a geeky, Bill Nye the Science Guy way—something that can move the needle a little bit toward more knowledge and empathy,” McCreight said.
In an era of intensifying political battles over transgender rights, McCreight’s approach offers a distinctive blend of scientific expertise, personal authenticity, and strategic humor aimed at puncturing fear-based narratives while building community resilience.
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16 Comments
The launch of the “Beyond X&Y” advocacy campaign is a timely and necessary response to the concerning trend of anti-transgender legislation being pushed in many states. I hope this initiative can help counter the misinformation and promote a more informed, inclusive understanding of gender identity.
Kudos to the scientist for taking on this important work. Tackling the misuse of scientific terminology to justify discrimination is a crucial step in protecting the rights and dignity of transgender individuals.
This is an interesting and provocative initiative to challenge the misuse of science to discriminate against transgender individuals. It’s important to counter misinformation and tackle these issues head-on.
I’m curious to see the results of this “transquake” experiment and how it might impact the ongoing debates around transgender rights and the use of scientific language.
While the premise of a “transquake” experiment might sound lighthearted, the underlying issue is a serious one. I appreciate the scientist’s efforts to challenge the harmful rhetoric and misconceptions around transgender individuals.
It will be interesting to see how this campaign unfolds and whether it can make a meaningful impact on the ongoing debates around transgender rights and the abuse of scientific language.
Kudos to the Chicago scientist for taking on this important work. Combating anti-transgender misinformation and rhetoric is crucial, especially as we see more restrictive laws being passed.
I hope this initiative can help educate the public and policymakers about the realities of transgender identity and the misuse of science to justify discrimination.
This is an intriguing and bold approach to addressing the troubling rise of anti-transgender rhetoric and policies. I’m curious to see how the “transquake” experiment unfolds and what impact it might have on the broader conversation.
Initiatives like this are essential in countering the harmful misinformation and pseudoscience being used to target the transgender community. I hope it can make a meaningful difference.
This is a timely and necessary initiative. As we see more anti-transgender legislation being pushed, it’s vital that we combat the misinformation and pseudoscience being used to target the trans community. I’m interested to see the impact of the “transquake” experiment.
Kudos to the Chicago scientist for taking on this important work. Addressing the abuse of scientific terminology to justify discrimination is a crucial step in protecting the rights and dignity of transgender individuals.
The premise of the “transquake” experiment is certainly attention-grabbing, but the underlying issue is a serious one. I applaud the scientist’s efforts to counter the harmful rhetoric and misconceptions around transgender identity using science.
Initiatives like this “Beyond X&Y” campaign are essential in promoting a more informed, inclusive understanding of gender identity. I hope it can have a meaningful impact on the ongoing debates around transgender rights.
The idea of a “transquake” experiment to challenge anti-trans rhetoric is an innovative and thought-provoking approach. I commend the Chicago scientist for taking on this important work and using science to confront discrimination.
It’s crucial that we continue to call out the misuse of scientific language to justify attacks on the transgender community. This campaign could help raise awareness and shift the narrative in a more positive direction.