Most anti-trans adults don’t know a trans person, a study shows
A new study shows that most people with anti-trans views don’t know a trans person in real life. (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty)
A new study has found that most young anti-trans adults don’t know any trans people in real life, and that having a trans person in your life greatly increases the likelihood of someone becoming a trans ally.
The study, released Friday (March 31) to mark Trans Day of Visibility, is part of a report by LGBTQ+ youth organization Just Like Us.
Of the 3,695 18-25 year olds surveyed, 74 percent who said they did not support trans people also said they did not know any trans people.
The study, which details key findings about trans allyship, found that knowing a trans person personally doubled the likelihood of trans allyship.
The study also found that nearly 70 percent of young non-LGBTQ+ adults support trans people.
Of the 89 percent of young LGBTQ+ adults who reported supporting trans people, lesbians were the most likely to say they both know a trans person (92 percent) and express their support for trans people (96 percent).
Amy Ashenden, interim CEO of Just Like Us, said: “We hear so much negative about trans people in the news and in everyday life, and now research shows that a lot of that negativity stems from being a trans person -Person does not even know real life.
“There is fear of the unknown… We’ve seen in the past how homophobia has largely been fueled by fears of the unknown, and sadly, history repeats itself.”
Ashenden said she was “delighted” to see a high level of support for lesbians in the LGBTQ+ community.
“As a lesbian myself, I know how supportive our community is to our trans siblings and it’s amazing to finally have proof of this – lesbians and trans people stand in solidarity. We have always done that.”
The study shows that while there is room for much joy and celebration this year, there is still work to be done.
In a climate of rampant anti-trans violence and hostility, visibility can be both a victory and a risk. Elliot Kwabena Akosa, Just Like Us Ambassador, wrote for PinkNews that visibility can be a “double-edged sword”.
“Coming Out has the power to show other people that being different isn’t just an opportunity, it’s a strength. It also has the power to expose you to reactions that could be hurtful or even dangerous,” he said.
“The effects of everyday transphobia in our society are profound and deadly. Revealing your transness means being deeply vulnerable, and being visible sometimes means taking immense risks.”
During Just Like Us’ Survey shows that anti-trans views often go hand in hand with not knowing trans people, Kwabena Akosa notes that trans visibility isn’t always an easy remedy — it’s not always accessible, convenient, or safe.
“Visibility is a risk not everyone is willing to take,” he wrote. “This year I choose to honor and celebrate those who cannot be on the front lines of our struggle. Knowing, accepting and loving yourself is a radical act in a society where we are shaped by others. Let that be your defiance.”
Just Like Us’ full report on the experiences of young LGBTQ+ adults in the UK is due to be published in June 2023.
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https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/03/31/trans-day-visibility-report-just-like-us/ Most anti-trans adults don’t know a trans person, a study shows
