Transgender activists are beginning to reconsider their confrontational tactics in response to criticism and backlash against their movement. Following a Democratic congressman’s defense of parents concerned about transgender athletes competing against young girls, he faced severe backlash, including comparisons to a Nazi collaborator from a local party official and protests organized by a group called “Neighbors Against Hate.”
Notably, when J.K. Rowling criticized the denial of the connection between sex and biology, she was accused by a prominent L.G.B.T.Q. group of betraying feminism, and some critics even burned her books in protest.
During a call last year with L.G.B.T.Q. allies, an activist claimed the Biden administration would be complicit in “genocide” of transgender youth for discussing limits on transgender student athletes. In light of these incidents, some activists are advocating for a more inclusive and understanding approach, suggesting that it is crucial to allow individuals to change their minds without fear of vilification.
Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, executive director of Advocates for Transgender Equality, emphasized the need to foster dialogue rather than alienation, stating, “No one wants to join that team.” Activists are recognizing that aggressive tactics, particularly on social media, may be counterproductive, as they often include strict language policing and demands for pronoun declarations.
The pressure from activists on liberal politicians to adopt rigid positions has had mixed results. For example, Vice President Kamala Harris faced Republican criticism over her responses to a questionnaire regarding transgender rights, illustrating the potential backlash for politicians who align closely with activist demands.
Heng-Lehtinen, who has a background in a Republican family, argues for treating skeptics more as potential allies rather than enemies, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in discussions about transgender rights.
As Democrats reflect on their approach to social and racial justice, they acknowledge that their perceived judgmental stance may have contributed to a disconnect with voters. Republicans have capitalized on this, spending significant resources to portray Democrats as overly focused on “wokeness” and creating misconceptions about transgender individuals.
With numerous states imposing restrictions on transgender medical treatments and House Republicans proposing to limit transgender women’s restroom access, activists are facing a more hostile political environment. Sarah McBride, the first transgender person elected to Congress, has stated she will adhere to House rules despite her disagreements.
Some activists express frustration with the current political climate, arguing that the threats against transgender individuals are too severe for a gentler approach. Gillian Branstetter from the A.C.L.U. asserted that the opposition consists of individuals who are fundamentally threatened by transgender existence.
Public sentiment appears to be shifting as well, with recent polls indicating that support for certain transgender rights, such as gender transition treatment for minors, has decreased. Many L.G.B.T.Q. activists are concerned that the movement’s credibility has been undermined by aggressive tactics, such as boycotting public figures over their opinions on sports.
Heng-Lehtinen advocates for a more nuanced approach to discussing transgender athletes in sports, suggesting that local authorities should handle these matters rather than imposing sweeping legislative bans. He emphasizes the importance of compassionate communication to address misinformation and foster understanding among the public.
Activists believe that by focusing on shared values of fairness, respect, and love, they can better engage with those who may have questions or concerns about transgender issues without resorting to confrontation.