DOING THINGS WITH THE LANGUAGE OF LAW AND GENDER: USING SPEECH ACT THEORY TO UNDERSTAND THE MEANING AND EFFECT OF THE GENDER IDENTITY BACKLASH.

This article explores the use of speech act theory to understand the meaning and effect of the gender identity backlash. It discusses how language, including legal language, can create change and alter human relations through speech acts. The article examines the backlash against transgender rights that occurred after the 2020 Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court decision, focusing on areas such as sports participation, access to appropriate care, and the right to be addressed appropriately. By applying speech act theory to legislative acts and judicial opinions, the article aims to reveal the performative effects of language and potentially undermine the effectiveness of the backlash. [Extracted from the article]