How the Idea of Social Contagion Shaped Trans Medicine

This article examines how the concept of "social contagion" has been historically weaponized to restrict transgender healthcare, particularly for youth. The author traces the politicization of trans medicine from early 20th century pathologization of homosexuality to modern debates over puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Key themes include:

1. Historical Parallels: Comparisons between past moral panics about homosexuality ("homosexual propaganda") and current claims that trans identity spreads via social media or peer influence.

2. Policy Impact: Analysis of recent laws in 26 U.S. states and European countries (e.g., the UK’s Cass Review) limiting youth access to gender affirming care, framed as preventing a "trans epidemic."

3. Medical Stigmatization: Critique of diagnostic gatekeeping (e.g., strict binary criteria for transsexuality) and the discredited "rapid-onset gender dysphoria" (ROGD) theory, which lacked evidence but influenced policy.

4. Media’s Role: Discussion of how visibility (e.g., Christine Jorgensen’s 1952 transition) spurred both community empowerment and backlash, with authorities suppressing information to curb "contagion."

5. Call for Equity: Advocates for centering trans voices in research and clinical practice, while acknowledging unresolved questions about long term effects of medical interventions.

The article underscores how the "social contagion" narrative perpetuates epistemic injustice and distracts from evidence-based, patient centered care.

This article examines how the concept of "social contagion" has been historically weaponized to restrict transgender healthcare, particularly for youth. The author traces the politicization of trans medicine from early 20th century pathologization of homosexuality to modern debates over puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Key themes include:

1. Historical Parallels: Comparisons between past moral panics about homosexuality ("homosexual propaganda") and current claims that trans identity spreads via social media or peer influence.

2. Policy Impact: Analysis of recent laws in 26 U.S. states and European countries (e.g., the UK’s Cass Review) limiting youth access to gender affirming care, framed as preventing a "trans epidemic."

3. Medical Stigmatization: Critique of diagnostic gatekeeping (e.g., strict binary criteria for transsexuality) and the discredited "rapid-onset gender dysphoria" (ROGD) theory, which lacked evidence but influenced policy.

4. Media’s Role: Discussion of how visibility (e.g., Christine Jorgensen’s 1952 transition) spurred both community empowerment and backlash, with authorities suppressing information to curb "contagion."

5. Call for Equity: Advocates for centering trans voices in research and clinical practice, while acknowledging unresolved questions about long term effects of medical interventions.

The article underscores how the "social contagion" narrative perpetuates epistemic injustice and distracts from evidence-based, patient centered care.