If contested ideas can no longer be openly debated in universities, what does that mean for their role as truth-seeking institutions?
In the latest episode of on the record, we speak with Anne Kalvig - Norwegian scholar of religion and former Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Stavanger - about her experiences of challenging prevailing ideas on gender identity in academia and why she ultimately decided to leave her professorship.
We also explore:
• Why Norway became an early adopter of gender identity policies.
• Whether small countries are more likely to embrace new social movements.
• Anne’s analysis of gender identity belief through the lens of the academic study of religion, including parallels with new religious and New Age movements.
• The importance of free academic debate and open inquiry.
About our guest
Anne Kalvig is a Norwegian scholar of religion and former Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Stavanger, Norway. Her research has focused on contemporary spirituality, new religious movements, vernacular religion, religion and popular culture, gender, and the intersections between religion and society. She has long campaigned for the rights of women and girls and was previously a politician on the left. Today, she works independently outside academia, political parties and traditional women’s organisations, which she sees as having abandoned sex-based rights. She is a member of Women’s Declaration International (WDI) Norway and a member of Athena Forum’s expert network.
Anne’s book, which we discussed: Kjønnstru – Kampen om røynda “Gender belief - the struggle for reality” examines contemporary ideas about sex and gender through the lenses of religious studies, feminism, and public policy. Anne argues that the concept of gender identity has come to function as a belief system detached from biological sex, and she explores the implications she believes this has for science, law, education, women’s rights, and democratic debate.
Another book from Anne’s own publishing house Medvit Forlag is: Kjerringer mot strømmen “Women Against the Current: For Science, Democracy and Freedom of Expression.” An anthology of essays and personal reflections by nine Norwegian women, including Anne, who describe themselves as speaking against prevailing views on sex, gender, and identity.
About on the record
On the Record features interviews with people across Europe whose lives have become entangled in the politics of sex and gender. Journalists, academics, feminists, parents and others who have the courage to speak on the record, despite the personal and professional consequences they may face for doing so.
The host is Annette Pacey, a member of Athena Forum.
About Athena Forum
Athena Forum was founded in 2025 by Faika El-Nagashi, a former member of parliament in Austria for the Greens and a lifelong advocate for women’s rights and lesbian and gay rights. For an in-depth account of the issues we are addressing in Europe, read our report Beneath the Surface.
All of our work is produced by a small team of dedicated volunteers. We have no institutional funding and no wealthy backers, just a growing number of regular supporters who believe in what we do. If you are able to join them by making a donation, you can do so here. We really appreciate your support.
“Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matt-stewart-evans/final-waltz License code: Y3NB7NYOWOKOWG7D”
This episode is public so feel free to share it.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit athenaforumeu.substack.com
