Being Trans isn't contagious!


Hello Reader,

It's been a while but I'm back! I hope your summer is treating you kindly and you're staying cool.

In case the subject line caught your eye and you are dying to know if you can catch being trans, the answer is NO! Despite what transphobic media might want you to believe, being trans is not a social contagion and shouldn't be studied like one!

The 'Social Contagion' Myth

Check out my latest blog post ‘Social Contagion’ Is Not Causing Teens To Be Transgender on new research that directly disputes the pseudo-science of Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria. From broad public policy to close familial relationships, the implications of this study are far-reaching. Turban’s research directly disproves the findings of Littman’s ROGD study, and acting on these findings will save lives.

Takeaways From The Research

I was interviewed for an article in Fatherly that outlined the following in greater detail:

  1. “Rapid onset gender dysphoria,” also known as ROGD, isn’t a thing.
  2. “Social contagion” is fake too.
  3. People assigned female at birth are not more susceptible to “social contagion.”
  4. Fear of being stigmatized for being gay has little to do with being gender-diverse.
  5. Last, but not least, acceptance is good for trans kids.

An Invitation, Should You Choose To Accept it:

Talk about this with anyone/everyone you know. Anti-trans organizations have advertising budgets that I don't. Please, if you hear someone spreading misinformation about trans youth, say something! Share my articles! Blame it on me if they find it annoying! This information could save lives.

Take care,

Rebecca Minor, LICSW (She/Her)

Creator of the "How to Talk to Kids about Gender" course

GenderSpecialist.com

Gender Specialist

I’m a licensed therapist and author of Raising Trans Kids, supporting caregivers of trans youth. I share resources, reflections, and real-world guidance on identity, parenting, and allyship -through my blog and this newsletter. You’re not alone. Let’s navigate this together.

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