The Role of Social Contagion among Transgender Identified Teens

What is it about?

There has been a sudden, significant increase in the number of teens identifying as transgender in the past five to ten years. This article looks at the possible role social contagion may have played in these increasing numbers.

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Why is it important?

Teenagers are coming to identify as transgender "out of the blue" without a significant history of prior distress over gender. This is often happening in the context of peer clusters of trans identification, or increased social media use. Many of these teens are seeking immediate medical intervention, which has permanent effects. In today's climate, where medical gate keeping has been largely eliminated, young people are able to access permanent medical interventions easily. The growing community of detransitioners indicates that there might be cause for concern.

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