From transition to detransition: Exploring societal attitudes towards gender detransitioning

Gender detransitioning is a complex and often stigmatised experience that remains underexplored in the existing literature. This study investigated factors influencing attitudes towards individuals who have detransitioned using the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (TABS) as the primary outcome measure. In 2024, an Australian general community sample (N = 351) ranging from 18 to 77 years (M = 36.9, SD = 12.1) completed an online questionnaire assessing attitudes towards detransitioning individuals. Higher scores on the TABS reflect more positive attitudes toward transgender and detransitioning individuals. A hierarchical regression analysis indicated that demographic variables (gender, sexuality, religiosity, and interpersonal contact with transitioning and detransitioning individuals) significantly predicted TABS scores in the initial model. However, when attitudinal variables (social role beliefs, knowledge of LGBTQIA+ issues and experiences, economic beliefs, and gender dysphoria legitimacy beliefs) were added, most demographic predictors were no longer statistically significant. In the final model, greater contact with detransitioning individuals, more progressive social role beliefs, stronger economic equity beliefs, greater knowledge of LGBTQIA+ issues, and stronger belief in the legitimacy of gender dysphoria were all significantly associated with more positive attitudes, as measured by higher TABS scores. Social role beliefs emerged as the strongest predictor. These findings suggest that attitudes toward detransitioning individuals are shaped more by underlying beliefs and values than by demographic characteristics. Public views may also be influenced by misinformation or limited understanding, particularly around the legitimacy of gender dysphoria and broader social role beliefs. While these results are preliminary and based on a non-representative sample, they highlight potential targets for future research and the development of educational resources aimed at improving public understanding. Further research is needed to deepen understanding of societal attitudes toward gender detransitioning, and how negative beliefs or stigma toward this community can be effectively mitigated.