Fact Check: "Only 0.36% of respondents detransitioned due to realizing transition wasn't for them."
What We Know
The claim that "only 0.36% of respondents detransitioned due to realizing transition wasn't for them" appears to be based on findings from studies examining the reasons behind detransition among transgender and gender-diverse individuals. According to a study by Turban et al., which analyzed data from the U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS), a total of 2242 respondents (13.1%) reported having detransitioned. Among these, 15.9% cited internal factors related to fluctuations in or uncertainty regarding their gender identity as reasons for their detransition (Turban et al.). This suggests that while a portion of respondents did report internal factors, the specific figure of 0.36% is not directly supported by the data presented in this study.
Another study by Irwig indicates that the most common reason for detransitioning was not simply a realization that transition was not for them, but rather that their gender dysphoria was related to other issues, with 70% of participants citing such reasons (Irwig). This further complicates the assertion that a specific percentage can be attributed solely to the realization that transition was not appropriate for them.
Analysis
The claim's accuracy hinges on the interpretation of survey data regarding detransition. The figure of 0.36% does not appear in the referenced studies, and the context provided by the studies indicates a more nuanced understanding of detransition. The Turban et al. study highlights that while some individuals may experience internal doubts about their gender identity, the overwhelming majority of detransition cases were influenced by external factors such as societal stigma and familial pressure (Turban et al.).
Furthermore, the Irwig study emphasizes that many who detransition do so for reasons that are complex and multifaceted, rather than a simple realization that transitioning was not for them (Irwig). This suggests that the claim may oversimplify the reasons behind detransition and misrepresents the data by isolating a specific percentage without context.
Both studies are published in peer-reviewed journals, which lends credibility to their findings. However, the interpretation of the data must be approached with caution, as the reasons for detransition are often intertwined and cannot be easily quantified into a single percentage.
Conclusion
Partially True: The claim that "only 0.36% of respondents detransitioned due to realizing transition wasn't for them" is misleading. While there is evidence that some individuals detransition due to internal factors, the specific percentage cited is not supported by the studies reviewed. The majority of detransition cases are influenced by external pressures rather than a straightforward realization about gender identity. Therefore, while there is some truth to the idea that internal factors play a role, the claim fails to accurately represent the complexity of the issue.
