Biological reality vs progressive ideals | Louise Perry & Claire Lehmann

In this discussion hosted by ‪@CISAus‬ & ‪@Quillette‬ , British author Louise Perry (of ‪@maidenmothermatriarch‬) joins Quillette founder Claire Lehmann to challenge contemporary feminist orthodoxy and make a compelling case for conservative feminism.

Perry, author of "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution," argues that progressivism's fundamental flaw is its attempt to deny biological reality – particularly evident in transgender ideology and the dismissal of psychological and physical differences between the sexes. She suggests that while this approach may have benefited some women, it has proven unsustainable as "biology has a way of reasserting itself."

The conversation explores how mothers have become pivotal in challenging transgender orthodoxy, how technological changes have reshaped gender relations, and why the sexual revolution has disproportionately benefited high-status men. Both speakers lament the absence of education around identifying dangerous personality traits, particularly those high in dark triad characteristics.

Perry maintains that feminism must acknowledge fundamental biological differences — women's capacity for childbearing and their physical vulnerability compared to men — for any coherent politics to emerge. She argues that traditional institutions like marriage evolved specifically to protect women and children from vulnerability. Throughout, Perry presents conservative feminism not merely as a reaction to progressive excess, but as a return to historical understanding that accepts biological reality while advocating for women's genuine interests and protection.

Louise Perry is a British journalist, author, and broadcaster. Her 2022 book, The Case Against the Sexual Revolution, critiques modern feminism and hypersexualised culture, earning praise from outlets like The Times and The Spectator. She hosts the podcast Maiden Mother Matriarch and contributes to The New Statesman, The Spectator, and The Daily Mail.

Claire Lehmann is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Quillette, a site dedicated to promoting free thought and open inquiry, and a is a regular columnist with The Australian.

Tom Switzer is executive director of CIS. He is former presenter at ABC’s Radio National and held editorial roles at The Spectator Australia and The Australian.

Zoe Booth is the Content Director at Quillette, host of the Quillette Cetera podcast, and a contributor to The Australian.