Global research on transgender rights and legal gender recognition: a 20-year bibliometric review (2006–2025)

Purpose This study examines the intellectual structure, publication trends, citation patterns, influential sources and thematic evolution of research on transgender rights and legal gender recognition within the social sciences between 2006 and 2025. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis of the Scopus database was conducted. Bibliographic data were retrieved from Scopus on 27 May 2026 using a structured search strategy. Following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 4,261 publications were analysed. Annual scientific production, citation analysis, Bradford’s Law, source impact analysis and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) were performed using Bibliometrix, Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. Findings Research output increased substantially, particularly after 2015. Core themes included gender identity, discrimination, mental health, healthcare access, social inclusion and human rights. Journal of Homosexuality, Transgender Health and Sexuality Research and Social Policy emerged as the most influential publication source. Conceptual structure analysis showed that the field has evolved into a multidisciplinary, rights-based domain integrating legal, social, healthcare and human rights perspectives. Originality/value Unlike previous bibliometric studies that primarily examined transgender health or broader LGBTQ+ research, this study provides a focused bibliometric synthesis of transgender rights and legal gender recognition research within the social sciences. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the field’s intellectual development, influential sources and evolving thematic structure, providing a foundation for future research, policy and legal scholarship.