Alleged Trans Death Cult Emerged from Silicon Valley's AI and Rationalist Circles, Author Claims

A group known as the Zizians, who allegedly engaged in a series of homicides, including that of a US Border Patrol agent, have roots in the tech culture of Silicon Valley, particularly within circles focused on artificial intelligence and rationalist philosophy, according to investigative reporter Andy Ngo.

Jack LaSota, who adopted the alias Ziz, is described as the central figure in this group. LaSota, initially an aspiring tech entrepreneur from Alaska, moved to Silicon Valley in 2016. He had been an engineering student researching space weather but developed interests in video game design, rationalism, and effective altruism. His early creative work included a game called "Dystheism," featuring imagery that Ngo suggests foreshadowed later developments.

LaSota's journey into what would become the Zizian ideology involved his immersion in the Bay Area's rationalist community. This community, often comprised of individuals with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, focuses on applying reason, probability, and evidence to understand the world and optimize decision-making. Forums like LessWrong, founded by rationalist philosopher Eliezer Yudkowsky, became central hubs for these discussions.

Rationalism and its Influence

Rationalism, as described by Ngo, functions in Silicon Valley as a powerful intellectual movement, attracting many who believe they are addressing humanity's most urgent problems. Key figures like Yudkowsky, influential in AI safety and transhumanism, have followers who sometimes describe his following as cult-like. The movement's discussions often span complex topics from Bayesianism and probability theory to behavioral economics and evolutionary psychology.

A significant branch within this community is effective altruism, which emphasizes using rationality to maximize positive impact. However, the source notes that debates over defining 'good' are prevalent, with some discussions focusing on issues like "shrimp welfare" due to the sheer number of farmed shrimp globally.

Transhumanism and Gender Ideology

In the technologically advanced environment of the Bay Area, LaSota absorbed ideas that merged with concepts from transhumanism, the philosophy that technology can fundamentally alter or transcend human limitations. Ngo draws a connection between transhumanism and transgender ideology, noting that both movements, in distinct ways, challenge biological realities and explore the potential for radical self-transformation.

Martine Rothblatt, a billionaire biotech entrepreneur, is highlighted as a key figure whose work has supported both transgender rights and transhumanist initiatives. Rothblatt's past advocacy for gender rights and funding of transhumanist projects, including an AI robot named Bina48, are cited as examples of this intersection. Jennifer Bilek, a journalist quoted in the text, suggests that the expansion of LGBTQ+ acronyms and the framing of gender fluidity as a human rights issue are supported by significant financial interests invested in AI and human augmentation.

LaSota himself began to identify as transgender around 2015, initially seeing it as a potential impediment to his goals but later believing that "transness" could be integral to saving the world. He adopted female pronouns and began hormone therapy, reporting perceived cognitive benefits.

The 'Singularity' and Radicalization

Underlying many of these discussions is the concept of the "singularity," the hypothetical point at which artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence. While some rationalists fear this development, others, particularly transhumanist rationalists like LaSota, view it as a moment of immense possibility for technological advancement and human evolution.

Organizations like the Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI) and the Center for Applied Rationality (CFAR), founded by Yudkowsky, were established to address the potential risks and opportunities associated with advanced AI. Yudkowsky himself has issued stark warnings about the dangers of unchecked AI development.

Within this framework, LaSota, under the alias Ziz, developed a radical ideology that diverged from mainstream rationalism. He advocated for strict veganism, viewing any deviation as morally wrong. He also believed that transgender and non-binary individuals were part of a vanguard leading humanity, and that action was urgently needed to shape AI before the singularity. This ideology attracted a group of followers, many of whom were transgender and autistic, who rejected traditional rationalist neutrality in favor of Ziz's more extreme views.

The Zizians became associated with eight deaths, including victims who were exploited landlords, parents of members, and law enforcement. While LaSota's state case was suspended, he was transferred to federal custody to face charges related to the cult's alleged activities. Ngo's book, "The Zizians: Inside a Trans Death Cult," details this narrative, suggesting that LaSota's radical ideology continues to influence others online.