In a compelling conversation, Professor Carly Thomsen of Rice University sheds light on the critical overlaps and gaps between reproductive justice and queer theory. As the author of *Reproductive Justice, Queerly*, Thomsen provides deep insights into how these fields can enrich each other, particularly in a post-*Dobbs* era where both cultural and legal battles shape public policy and personal lives.

Reproductive justice, originally conceived by Black feminists in the 1990s, advocates for a broad understanding of reproductive rights, extending beyond abortion access to include issues of parenting, housing, and economic security. Thomsen emphasizes that true reproductive justice cannot be achieved through legal and policy changes alone. It requires robust engagement with culture—through art, media, and everyday conversations—especially as many people feel detached from traditional avenues of power like legislatures and courts.

Thomsen also challenges the conventional understanding of "queer" within queer theory. Rather than simply a marker of LGBTQ+ identity, "queer" is described as a relationship to normativity. This redefinition opens the possibility for anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, to engage in queer ways of living that challenge mainstream norms and expectations.

During her research on surrogacy campaigns, Thomsen observed that narratives centering on gay men's experiences of family building often inadvertently marginalized the surrogates and overlooked feminist critiques of the surrogacy industry. This highlights a critical area where reproductive justice and queer theory must dialogue more deeply to avoid replicating injustices.

Furthermore, Thomsen identifies sports as a potent, albeit imperfect, arena for cultural change. She critiques the recent political focus on trans athletes, which frames debates around fairness while ignoring the broader inequalities embedded within sports culture. This politicization not only simplifies complex issues but also shifts attention away from more systemic injustices affecting all athletes, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Thomsen's work represents a crucial call to integrate queer perspectives into reproductive justice frameworks, advocating for a more inclusive approach that considers the diverse realities of individuals' lives. By doing so, she argues that both movements can more effectively challenge the intersecting oppressions that affect a wide array of communities.