New data suggests a sharp decline in the number of young adults identifying as transgender or non-binary, with experts suggesting that this trend may reflect a natural correction in identity reporting. Researchers like Jean Twenge and Eric Kaufman have observed significant changes in survey data, prompting discussions about the factors influencing self-identification.
Dr. Twenge’s analysis of the Household Pulse survey revealed a decline in trans identification among 18- to 22-year-olds between 2022 and 2024. She also evaluated the Cooperative Election Study (CES) data, which showed a significant drop in both transgender and non-binary identification among young adults. Dr. Twenge emphasized that the changes may be linked to shifts in societal acceptance and the evolving dynamics of identity labels.
Eric Kaufman, a professor of politics, previously reported similar findings using data from institutions like FIRE, Brown, and Andover Phillips. He highlighted that these changes are prompting broader conversations about the future of cultural and medical trends related to gender identity. Experts suggest that the decline may also reflect a growing comfort in self-identification, with young adults potentially becoming less inclined to over-identify with labels due to reduced social pressures.
Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert noted that this trend could reflect young people moving away from the pressure to constantly define their identities, suggesting a shift towards greater self-assurance rather than a decline in acceptance. Alpert argued that the decline may indicate a natural adjustment in how individuals relate to their identities, rather than a change in societal acceptance.
These findings, while debated, suggest a complex landscape of identity trends that continue to evolve with social, psychological, and cultural dynamics in play.