Joaquim Mohsen

Why are such staggering numbers of young men and women deciding to transition to the opposite gender? Is it due to the increased accessibility of transition services? Or could it be part of a conspiracy to benefit pharmaceutical companies? Is there a broader humanist agenda at play to transform humanity? Or has transgender identity always existed, with the increase now simply a reflection of easier transition processes and greater social acceptance? These are complex questions, each potentially holding a piece of the puzzle. Honestly, I’m not certain, but I have a theory I’d like to propose. I believe one of the possible causes for the rise in transgender identities might be the contradictory messaging from those who oppose transgenderism.

Opponents of transgenderism often argue that gender is strictly defined by biology: individuals with XX chromosomes are female, and those with XY chromosomes are male. This seems straightforward enough. However, in my experience, these same individuals sometimes express views that contradict this biological determinism.

There is an onslaught of messaging centered on how men and women should express themselves, usually pushed by the very same people who oppose transgenderism. It often goes like this: real men lift weights, enjoy fighting and sports, have kids, etc; and real women wear dresses, like cooking and baking, wear pink, etc. Do you see the dilemma that’s created? On one hand, men and women are defined by their biology. On the other hand, ‘real’ men and women are expected to engage in specific behaviors. This creates a significant dichotomy.

If these same men and women are constantly fed this type of messaging that they aren’t “real” men and women, if they don’t express themselves in these prescribed ways, how do you think they will start to perceive themselves? They will inevitably start to doubt their biological sex. How can one be a man or woman if they don’t conform to these gender norms? It is the only logical conclusion they might arrive at.

I’ve seen this struggle firsthand. There’s a young man in my life who is not into what society deems “manly” activities. A prominent male figure in his life has constantly disparaged him, calling him a sissy and not a “real” man because of this. It’s not surprising that he struggles with accepting his male identity when he’s been told repeatedly that real men engage only in certain behaviors.

If society doesn’t want young men and women to feel compelled to transition, then there needs to be a shift in affirming that people can be men or women regardless of whether they fit into typical gender societal norms. We must affirm that someone can be a man even if they aren’t into “manly” activities. You can’t have it both ways. If what defines man and womanhood are biological markers, then we need to become comfortable with the fact that people might express themselves in ways that are unconventional or uncomfortable to our traditional views on gender roles. If this messaging persists, more young individuals might seek transition. The question arises: What’s more important? Enforcing conformity to societal norms or preventing people from making life-altering decisions?