Michael Shermer
@michaelshermer.bsky.social
Publisher Skeptic Magazine | Host The Michael Shermer Show | Skeptic columnist: http://michaelshermer.substack.com | NEW BOOK Conspiracy: http://amzn.to/3Eza8Lf
Dear @ohdahlia.bsky.social
Are you familiar with polydactyly?
It's a congenital condition resulting in extra fingers or toes caused by genetic mutations.
Does this mean that 5-fingers is not the norm—that digits is on a spectrum between 1 & 6?
Intersex people are not a 3rd sex.
Sex is binary
Are you familiar with polydactyly?
It's a congenital condition resulting in extra fingers or toes caused by genetic mutations.
Does this mean that 5-fingers is not the norm—that digits is on a spectrum between 1 & 6?
Intersex people are not a 3rd sex.
Sex is binary
Biologists recognize intersex people, if they don’t then they’re not biologists. Cut the shit.
September 28, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Dear @ohdahlia.bsky.social
Are you familiar with polydactyly?
It's a congenital condition resulting in extra fingers or toes caused by genetic mutations.
Does this mean that 5-fingers is not the norm—that digits is on a spectrum between 1 & 6?
Intersex people are not a 3rd sex.
Sex is binary
Are you familiar with polydactyly?
It's a congenital condition resulting in extra fingers or toes caused by genetic mutations.
Does this mean that 5-fingers is not the norm—that digits is on a spectrum between 1 & 6?
Intersex people are not a 3rd sex.
Sex is binary
Dear @grumblekitty.bsky.social
I say that there are only 2 sexes: male and female.
You say I'm wrong.
Is there a 3rd sex of which I (and all biologists) are unaware?
I say that there are only 2 sexes: male and female.
You say I'm wrong.
Is there a 3rd sex of which I (and all biologists) are unaware?
You’re really stupid & sensitive. Don’t you have anything to do? I can suggest several uses for your time than proving to the world that you’re “skepticism” doesn’t extend to re-evaluating your misogyny & need to maintain concepts of gender & sex binaries, in spite of all contrary evidence.
September 28, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Dear @grumblekitty.bsky.social
I say that there are only 2 sexes: male and female.
You say I'm wrong.
Is there a 3rd sex of which I (and all biologists) are unaware?
I say that there are only 2 sexes: male and female.
You say I'm wrong.
Is there a 3rd sex of which I (and all biologists) are unaware?
Dear @profrichardson.bsky.social
You say you "do not engage with inflammatory personal attacks & threats," but in Lancet you said anyone who thinks sex is binary (me, Pinker, Hooven & almost all biologists) is bigoted and driven by "political aims".
That seems inflammatory & a personal attack.
No?
You say you "do not engage with inflammatory personal attacks & threats," but in Lancet you said anyone who thinks sex is binary (me, Pinker, Hooven & almost all biologists) is bigoted and driven by "political aims".
That seems inflammatory & a personal attack.
No?
September 27, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Dear @profrichardson.bsky.social
You say you "do not engage with inflammatory personal attacks & threats," but in Lancet you said anyone who thinks sex is binary (me, Pinker, Hooven & almost all biologists) is bigoted and driven by "political aims".
That seems inflammatory & a personal attack.
No?
You say you "do not engage with inflammatory personal attacks & threats," but in Lancet you said anyone who thinks sex is binary (me, Pinker, Hooven & almost all biologists) is bigoted and driven by "political aims".
That seems inflammatory & a personal attack.
No?
Dear @profrichardson.bsky.social
You: "The goal of my work is to build conversations across fields and disciplines...."
O-kay, but in Lancet you say anyone who thinks sex is binary is a bigot & "it facilitates their political aims"
I think sex is binary (as do almost all biologists)
Am I a bigot?
You: "The goal of my work is to build conversations across fields and disciplines...."
O-kay, but in Lancet you say anyone who thinks sex is binary is a bigot & "it facilitates their political aims"
I think sex is binary (as do almost all biologists)
Am I a bigot?
September 26, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Dear @profrichardson.bsky.social
You: "The goal of my work is to build conversations across fields and disciplines...."
O-kay, but in Lancet you say anyone who thinks sex is binary is a bigot & "it facilitates their political aims"
I think sex is binary (as do almost all biologists)
Am I a bigot?
You: "The goal of my work is to build conversations across fields and disciplines...."
O-kay, but in Lancet you say anyone who thinks sex is binary is a bigot & "it facilitates their political aims"
I think sex is binary (as do almost all biologists)
Am I a bigot?
"menstruating individual"
If only we had a word for such a person
What do you call a menopausal individual?
A "post-menstruating individual"?
What if they're pregnant?
A "temporarily-paused menstruating individual"?
A child?
A "pre-menstruating individual"?
If only we had a word for such a person
What do you call a menopausal individual?
A "post-menstruating individual"?
What if they're pregnant?
A "temporarily-paused menstruating individual"?
A child?
A "pre-menstruating individual"?
March 25, 2025 at 2:28 PM
"menstruating individual"
If only we had a word for such a person
What do you call a menopausal individual?
A "post-menstruating individual"?
What if they're pregnant?
A "temporarily-paused menstruating individual"?
A child?
A "pre-menstruating individual"?
If only we had a word for such a person
What do you call a menopausal individual?
A "post-menstruating individual"?
What if they're pregnant?
A "temporarily-paused menstruating individual"?
A child?
A "pre-menstruating individual"?
Reposted by Michael Shermer
I really enjoyed this chat with @michaelshermer.bsky.social about the epic Report from Iron Mountain hoax, its strange afterlife and what it tells us about the roots of the 'deep state' fear. Have a watch/ listen:
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
The Hoax of the Century: Iron Mountain
New on the podcast: Iron Mountain and its influence on the perceptions of the military-industrial complex. Listen now.
www.skeptic.com
March 21, 2025 at 12:40 PM
I really enjoyed this chat with @michaelshermer.bsky.social about the epic Report from Iron Mountain hoax, its strange afterlife and what it tells us about the roots of the 'deep state' fear. Have a watch/ listen:
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
Reposted by Michael Shermer
Why are conspiracy theories so good at creating cult followings?
In this interview, @michaelshermer.bsky.social explores how conspiracy theories undermine the generally accepted scientific, materialist paradigm. iai.tv/video/conspi...
#philsky #socsky
In this interview, @michaelshermer.bsky.social explores how conspiracy theories undermine the generally accepted scientific, materialist paradigm. iai.tv/video/conspi...
#philsky #socsky
Conspiracy and belief
In this intimate interview, Michael Shermer explores how conspiracy theories undermine objective truth or the generally accepted scientific, materialist paradigm. He covers everything from his most…
iai.tv
March 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Why are conspiracy theories so good at creating cult followings?
In this interview, @michaelshermer.bsky.social explores how conspiracy theories undermine the generally accepted scientific, materialist paradigm. iai.tv/video/conspi...
#philsky #socsky
In this interview, @michaelshermer.bsky.social explores how conspiracy theories undermine the generally accepted scientific, materialist paradigm. iai.tv/video/conspi...
#philsky #socsky
My convo with
@phil_tinline
author of one of my favorite books, out Tuesday.
Must read in the context of current Military Industrial Complex.
Hoax worked because there was so much truth in it!
My copy of the original assigned in college as real!
skeptic.com/michael-sher...
@phil_tinline
author of one of my favorite books, out Tuesday.
Must read in the context of current Military Industrial Complex.
Hoax worked because there was so much truth in it!
My copy of the original assigned in college as real!
skeptic.com/michael-sher...
March 21, 2025 at 3:19 PM
My convo with
@phil_tinline
author of one of my favorite books, out Tuesday.
Must read in the context of current Military Industrial Complex.
Hoax worked because there was so much truth in it!
My copy of the original assigned in college as real!
skeptic.com/michael-sher...
@phil_tinline
author of one of my favorite books, out Tuesday.
Must read in the context of current Military Industrial Complex.
Hoax worked because there was so much truth in it!
My copy of the original assigned in college as real!
skeptic.com/michael-sher...
Getting some queries about the April 18–20, 2025 workshop on science & spirituality at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur that I am hosting. 3/4 full. Will sell out. It's a magical place (if a skeptic can use such language).
Register here:
www.esalen.org/workshops/sc...
Register here:
www.esalen.org/workshops/sc...
February 20, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Getting some queries about the April 18–20, 2025 workshop on science & spirituality at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur that I am hosting. 3/4 full. Will sell out. It's a magical place (if a skeptic can use such language).
Register here:
www.esalen.org/workshops/sc...
Register here:
www.esalen.org/workshops/sc...
The slew of new books on female-male differences in sexual psychology all owe a debt to the late Donald Symon's 1979 book The Evolution of Human Sexuality. Excellent obit/overview of evolutionary psychology's history by
@sapinker.bsky.social
quillette.com/2025/02/04/s...
@sapinker.bsky.social
quillette.com/2025/02/04/s...
Sage of Sex and Psyche
Remembering Don Symons (1942–2024).
quillette.com
February 20, 2025 at 3:54 AM
The slew of new books on female-male differences in sexual psychology all owe a debt to the late Donald Symon's 1979 book The Evolution of Human Sexuality. Excellent obit/overview of evolutionary psychology's history by
@sapinker.bsky.social
quillette.com/2025/02/04/s...
@sapinker.bsky.social
quillette.com/2025/02/04/s...
What's it like to be a sugar baby?
Who are sugar daddies?
Can young women really put themselves through college or make a great living on sex work?
Brook Urick pulls back the curtain on the reality of what really goes on behind closed doors.
Watch/listen:
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
Who are sugar daddies?
Can young women really put themselves through college or make a great living on sex work?
Brook Urick pulls back the curtain on the reality of what really goes on behind closed doors.
Watch/listen:
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
502. Brook Urick — Sex Work, Ethics, and Evolutionary Psychology: What Really Happens on Sugar Daddy Websites?
Brook Urick reveals the hidden risks of sugar dating, from her experience as a sugar baby to becoming a company insider. She exposes how these platforms protect exploiters and mislead young women. Uri...
www.skeptic.com
February 20, 2025 at 3:51 AM
What's it like to be a sugar baby?
Who are sugar daddies?
Can young women really put themselves through college or make a great living on sex work?
Brook Urick pulls back the curtain on the reality of what really goes on behind closed doors.
Watch/listen:
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
Who are sugar daddies?
Can young women really put themselves through college or make a great living on sex work?
Brook Urick pulls back the curtain on the reality of what really goes on behind closed doors.
Watch/listen:
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
Wokeness Poisons Science
Part II of my series on why I am no longer woke
open.substack.com/pub/michaels...
Part II of my series on why I am no longer woke
open.substack.com/pub/michaels...
Wokeness Poisons Science
Part II of my series on why I am no longer woke
open.substack.com
December 22, 2024 at 2:50 AM
Wokeness Poisons Science
Part II of my series on why I am no longer woke
open.substack.com/pub/michaels...
Part II of my series on why I am no longer woke
open.substack.com/pub/michaels...
Dear @sobekhotep97.bsky.social
Here is a study in the journal for the Society for Evidence Based Gender Medicine:
"The finding of low suicide rates and no evidence of benefits of gender reassignment continues to challenge the practice of youth transitions"
segm.org/Suicide-Gend...
Here is a study in the journal for the Society for Evidence Based Gender Medicine:
"The finding of low suicide rates and no evidence of benefits of gender reassignment continues to challenge the practice of youth transitions"
segm.org/Suicide-Gend...
December 18, 2024 at 3:43 PM
Dear @sobekhotep97.bsky.social
Here is a study in the journal for the Society for Evidence Based Gender Medicine:
"The finding of low suicide rates and no evidence of benefits of gender reassignment continues to challenge the practice of youth transitions"
segm.org/Suicide-Gend...
Here is a study in the journal for the Society for Evidence Based Gender Medicine:
"The finding of low suicide rates and no evidence of benefits of gender reassignment continues to challenge the practice of youth transitions"
segm.org/Suicide-Gend...
Dear @sobekhotep97.bsky.social
Here is the biologist Colin Wright on why biological sex is binary and not on a spectrum:
www.realityslaststand.com/p/sex-is-not...
Here is the biologist Colin Wright on why biological sex is binary and not on a spectrum:
www.realityslaststand.com/p/sex-is-not...
December 18, 2024 at 3:40 PM
Dear @sobekhotep97.bsky.social
Here is the biologist Colin Wright on why biological sex is binary and not on a spectrum:
www.realityslaststand.com/p/sex-is-not...
Here is the biologist Colin Wright on why biological sex is binary and not on a spectrum:
www.realityslaststand.com/p/sex-is-not...
Dear @sobekhotep97.bsky.social
Here is a general overview of all the trans issues in the debate, which we released free in Skeptic. It is politically/ideologically neutral, best piece I've read on the subject:
www.skeptic.com/reading_room...
Here is a general overview of all the trans issues in the debate, which we released free in Skeptic. It is politically/ideologically neutral, best piece I've read on the subject:
www.skeptic.com/reading_room...
December 18, 2024 at 3:31 PM
Dear @sobekhotep97.bsky.social
Here is a general overview of all the trans issues in the debate, which we released free in Skeptic. It is politically/ideologically neutral, best piece I've read on the subject:
www.skeptic.com/reading_room...
Here is a general overview of all the trans issues in the debate, which we released free in Skeptic. It is politically/ideologically neutral, best piece I've read on the subject:
www.skeptic.com/reading_room...
You will be called a transphobe for even suggesting this @mrsamericano.bsky.social
The counter is: these adolescents will commit suicide if they don't get gender affirming care.
"Would you rather have a dead daughter or a living son?"
But new studies debunk the suicidality claim.
The counter is: these adolescents will commit suicide if they don't get gender affirming care.
"Would you rather have a dead daughter or a living son?"
But new studies debunk the suicidality claim.
We need to talk about the normal confusion that some adolescents have about their bodies and who they are. The natural path of adolescence involves skewed hormones - and not just sex hormones. What if we tell adolescents it's normal to be confused about who you are at this stage of your life?
December 17, 2024 at 2:52 PM
You will be called a transphobe for even suggesting this @mrsamericano.bsky.social
The counter is: these adolescents will commit suicide if they don't get gender affirming care.
"Would you rather have a dead daughter or a living son?"
But new studies debunk the suicidality claim.
The counter is: these adolescents will commit suicide if they don't get gender affirming care.
"Would you rather have a dead daughter or a living son?"
But new studies debunk the suicidality claim.
The case for assisted death for the terminally ill is well made here by Coleman Hughes that includes a deeply moving account of his mother's agonizing death from cancer.
IMO, the government has no business controlling people's choices on how they want to die.
www.thefp.com/p/coleman-hu...
IMO, the government has no business controlling people's choices on how they want to die.
www.thefp.com/p/coleman-hu...
Coleman Hughes: My Mom—and the Case for Assisted Death
My dying mother chose to end terrible suffering. I want others to have that choice, too.
www.thefp.com
December 17, 2024 at 2:21 PM
The case for assisted death for the terminally ill is well made here by Coleman Hughes that includes a deeply moving account of his mother's agonizing death from cancer.
IMO, the government has no business controlling people's choices on how they want to die.
www.thefp.com/p/coleman-hu...
IMO, the government has no business controlling people's choices on how they want to die.
www.thefp.com/p/coleman-hu...
Key points screen shots:
www.realityslaststand.com/p/the-truth-...
www.realityslaststand.com/p/the-truth-...
December 17, 2024 at 2:11 PM
Key points screen shots:
www.realityslaststand.com/p/the-truth-...
www.realityslaststand.com/p/the-truth-...
Re Gender Affirming Care, study finds minors undergoing gender dysphoria are fast-tracked into puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones & surgery, ignoring comorbid conditions: autism, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use disorders, suicidality
www.realityslaststand.com/p/the-truth-...
www.realityslaststand.com/p/the-truth-...
The Truth About ‘Gender-Affirming Care’
‘Gender-affirming’ doctors are medicalizing distress in the name of social justice.
www.realityslaststand.com
December 17, 2024 at 2:09 PM
Re Gender Affirming Care, study finds minors undergoing gender dysphoria are fast-tracked into puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones & surgery, ignoring comorbid conditions: autism, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use disorders, suicidality
www.realityslaststand.com/p/the-truth-...
www.realityslaststand.com/p/the-truth-...
Hypnosis, mind control, MK-Ultra, altered states of consciousness, suggestibility vs. gullibility, magic and illusion, and how rational an animals are humans anyway?
My convo with psychologist Amir Raz:
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
My convo with psychologist Amir Raz:
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
493. Amir Raz — The Suggestible Brain
World-renowned cognitive psychologist Amir Raz explores the power of suggestion, showing how it can shape perception, memory, and even physical health. Using insights from neuropsychology, magic, and ...
www.skeptic.com
December 17, 2024 at 1:51 AM
Hypnosis, mind control, MK-Ultra, altered states of consciousness, suggestibility vs. gullibility, magic and illusion, and how rational an animals are humans anyway?
My convo with psychologist Amir Raz:
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
My convo with psychologist Amir Raz:
www.skeptic.com/michael-sher...
The real mystery of the drone wave over New Jersey is how the Chinese, Iranians, Russians, & aliens are able to cloak their advanced UAPs to look so similar to airliners, planes, helicopters, commercial drones, and the bright planets Venus & Jupiter (in the early night sky now). DARPA beware!
December 17, 2024 at 1:50 AM
The real mystery of the drone wave over New Jersey is how the Chinese, Iranians, Russians, & aliens are able to cloak their advanced UAPs to look so similar to airliners, planes, helicopters, commercial drones, and the bright planets Venus & Jupiter (in the early night sky now). DARPA beware!
If you're so inclined come join us for a weekend workshop on Science and Spirituality April 18-20, 2025, at what is surely one of the top 10 most beautiful places on the planet...
open.substack.com/pub/michaels...
open.substack.com/pub/michaels...
Science and Spirituality
The Search for Meaning in a Secular Age workshop at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA, April 18–20, 2025, led by Dr. Michael Shermer and Dr. Ralph Lewis
open.substack.com
December 16, 2024 at 3:28 PM
If you're so inclined come join us for a weekend workshop on Science and Spirituality April 18-20, 2025, at what is surely one of the top 10 most beautiful places on the planet...
open.substack.com/pub/michaels...
open.substack.com/pub/michaels...
Dear @queenwaifu.bsky.social
Please read the Cass Report. European and UK medical institutions and practitioners are ceasing gender affirming care on minors for lack of evidence that it works + considerable evidence that it harms.
Practice watchful waiting
cass.independent-review.uk/home/publica...
Please read the Cass Report. European and UK medical institutions and practitioners are ceasing gender affirming care on minors for lack of evidence that it works + considerable evidence that it harms.
Practice watchful waiting
cass.independent-review.uk/home/publica...
December 16, 2024 at 3:23 PM
Dear @queenwaifu.bsky.social
Please read the Cass Report. European and UK medical institutions and practitioners are ceasing gender affirming care on minors for lack of evidence that it works + considerable evidence that it harms.
Practice watchful waiting
cass.independent-review.uk/home/publica...
Please read the Cass Report. European and UK medical institutions and practitioners are ceasing gender affirming care on minors for lack of evidence that it works + considerable evidence that it harms.
Practice watchful waiting
cass.independent-review.uk/home/publica...
Dear @lancecstcuddy.bsky.social
I am a classical liberal.
I am not a conservative.
My positions are based on what is true and just.
The vast majority of liberals today do not endorse far-left illiberal positions.
I am simply reflecting old-school liberalism in my posts on DEI & trans issues.
I am a classical liberal.
I am not a conservative.
My positions are based on what is true and just.
The vast majority of liberals today do not endorse far-left illiberal positions.
I am simply reflecting old-school liberalism in my posts on DEI & trans issues.
I once quite admired you. We spoke at length at TAM one year. More than an hour of just us talking more than a decade ago.
Now, you are a caricature of an alt-right stooge. Your positions are predictably “whatever makes the left angry these days”
What a fall from grace, and what a disappointment
Now, you are a caricature of an alt-right stooge. Your positions are predictably “whatever makes the left angry these days”
What a fall from grace, and what a disappointment
December 16, 2024 at 2:24 PM
Dear @lancecstcuddy.bsky.social
I am a classical liberal.
I am not a conservative.
My positions are based on what is true and just.
The vast majority of liberals today do not endorse far-left illiberal positions.
I am simply reflecting old-school liberalism in my posts on DEI & trans issues.
I am a classical liberal.
I am not a conservative.
My positions are based on what is true and just.
The vast majority of liberals today do not endorse far-left illiberal positions.
I am simply reflecting old-school liberalism in my posts on DEI & trans issues.