EPISODE · Jun 5, 2026 · 1H 2M
“The K is for Kind…..I changed my name because of infant circumcision” with Brother K_Episode 27
from Beholden
Please note this episode discusses what culture would consider “challenging” topics, such as genitals, consent, and suicide while using direct, scientific, anatomical language. Similar discussions, similar language, similar topics are widely available online often without this warning; however, as a sign of respect and care, it is worth repeating - listener discretion is advised for the sensitive listener. Brother K was born in Miami in 1947 and grew up in New Orleans. He studied journalism at the University of Illinois, where he earned his degree in 1969. He protested against circumcision at the California State Capital in 1980, a protest that the Associated Press and other media reported locally and across the nation. In 1986 he changed his name to Brother K in California Superior Court, an act of protest against his circumcision at birth. He formed Bloodstained Men in 2012 and has protested in cities from coast to coast.Links to learn more about and connect with Brother K:https://www.bloodstainedmen.com/ (with social media links at the bottom of this page)https://www.bloodstainedmen.com/donate/ to support their work with donationsPapers mentioned:https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/130/3/e756/30225/Male-Circumcisionhttps://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/131/4/796/31907/Cultural-Bias-in-the-AAP-s-2012-Technical-ReportPerson mentioned:Leonard Glick https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/ajs-review/article/abs/marked-in-your-flesh-circumcision-from-ancient-judea-to-modern-america/6DB0C9CB30C01C0622100219DCFBDA4B https://www.anthropology-news.org/articles/leonard-b-glick/Legal case mentioned: 2019 Michigan:https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2019/09/19/congress-female-genital-mutilation-detroit-michigan-prosecution-doctors/2369275001/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z1199xxe1199xxv003741d--41--b--41--&gca-ft=198&gca-ds=sophihttps://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/04/12/feds-abandon-female-genital-mutilation-fight/3445497002/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z1112xxe1112xxv003660d--40--b--40--&gca-ft=172&gca-ds=sophihttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35296812/Background on female circumcision/FGM in the US (note that Playboy endorsed it in 1973 on their cover):http://www.drmomma.org/2009/09/history-of-female-circumcision-in.htmlRelated resources:https://www.yourwholebaby.org/ An organization that offers education and support for parentshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ud-cTDfKd8 A lecture by Dr. Ryan McAllisterhttps://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/ Doctors Opposing Circumcision, an organization for professionals and parentshttps://tlctugger.com/ For those curious about a foreskin restoration devicehttps://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-biosocial-science/article/abs/ageincidence-and-prevalence-of-hiv-among-intact-and-circumcised-men-an-analysis-of-phia-surveys-in-southern-africa/CAA7E7BD5A9844F41C6B7CC3573B9E50 Study finds no difference in HIV status among circumcised vs intact men in South AfricaOn religion and tradition:https://intactamerica.org/ethical-debate-behind-circumcision/ On Judaism and circumcision:https://intactamerica.org/rethinking-jewish-circumcision-brit-shalom-as-a-peaceful-intact-alternative/ (Jewish alternative to circumcision) https://www.yourwholebaby.org/judaism?rq=jewishOn Islam and circumcision:https://www.yourwholebaby.org/islam?rq=islam https://applications.emro.who.int/dsaf/dsa54.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362248413_'Wounded_religious_masculinities'_Muslim_men's_opposition_against_male_circumcision_in_Turkey https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3516177/On the history of circumcision in the US, early 20th century:https://www.history.com/articles/dr-john-kellogg-cereal-wellness-wacky-sanitarium-treatmentsCheck out Brother K’s interview on Tosh 2.0:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyGwCcHLupEFor transcripts of this show, please email [email protected] with ‘Transcripts’ in the subject line and/or check your favorite podcast provider, as oftentimes they supply transcription services.If you are interested in book recommendations related to topics discussed, including sexuality and consent, please see Allison's bookshop on Bookshop.org Purchasing books through Bookshop offers greater support to authors as well as curators, such as Allison.*Please note that the opinions and experiences of those interviewed in this podcast are not necessarily the opinions and experiences of the interviewer. One of the intents of this podcast is to interview a variety of people with a variety of experiences and opinions.*If you are interested in participating in a future podcast, which involves thoughtful, caring, and connecting conversations to encourage proximity and a sense of interconnection, please email [email protected] with ‘Participate’ in the subject line.To learn more about Ignite Well-being, in the suburbs of Chicago, and/or the host, Allison, please see their website, Patreon, Substack or Linktree. Listeners may schedule with Allison on Calendly. Deepest bow to the paid supporters on Patreon, who make this work more financially sustainable.Sincere apologies for sound artifacts resulting from impaired WiFi connectivity from a major...
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“The K is for Kind…..I changed my name because of infant circumcision” with Brother K_Episode 27
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