Welcome to Trans Fact or Fiction?, a new series where we tackle some of the most persistent myths about trans people and gender-affirming care. In each article, we’ll break down a common misconception, examine the facts, and provide the context often missing from these conversations. Our goal? To empower you with accurate information and a deeper understanding of the realities faced by trans individuals.
For our first topic, let’s address a claim you’ve probably seen on social media or heard in the news: “Most trans people regret transitioning.” It’s a bold statement that’s often repeated as if it’s the absolute truth and has even made its way to the recent Supreme Court arguments regarding United States v. Skrmetti. This claim couldn’t be further from reality. Today, we’ll dive into the data, unpack what regret really means, explore why detransition happens, and discuss how we can foster more honest and supportive conversations about this issue.
Table of Contents
The Numbers Tell a Different Story
Here’s the truth: Regret rates for gender-affirming care are extremely low. A comprehensive study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2021 found that only 1% of patients who underwent gender-affirming surgeries reported regret. Another 2021 study in JAMA Surgery analyzing 20,000 trans people showed that less than 1% sought detransition-related care.
To put this in perspective, consider regret rates for common surgeries that aren’t related to transitioning. Breast augmentation, one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, has a regret rate of around 8%. Studies show that 15% of people regret rhinoplasty (commonly known as a nose job). Regret rates for knee replacements, a medically necessary procedure, range between 6% and 30%. When compared to these figures, it’s clear that gender-affirming care has one of the lowest regret rates in modern medicine.
Why Do People Detransition?
It’s important to acknowledge that detransition does happen, but it’s rare—and the reasons why matter. A 2021 study by Turban et al. in LGBT Health surveyed individuals who detransitioned and found that the vast majority didn’t regret transitioning because it was “wrong” for them or that they were “pressured” to transition. Instead, they cited external factors, such as:
- Lack of social support: Family rejection, workplace discrimination, and community ostracism often make it impossible to live authentically as a trans person.
- Financial barriers: Gender-affirming care is expensive, and insurance coverage is inconsistent.
- Pressure to conform: Some individuals detransition temporarily due to societal pressures or fears of violence.
These findings highlight a critical point: Detransitioning doesn’t automatically mean someone regrets transitioning. In fact, many individuals who detransition go on to re-transition later in life when circumstances improve.
Why This Myth Persists
So, if regret is so uncommon, why does this myth stick around? The answer lies in how detransition stories are weaponized and presented by anti-trans groups, even though gender-affirming care is supported by leading medical organizations like the American Medical Association and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. These narratives are often framed as cautionary tales, supposedly highlighting the dangers of gender-affirming care. But the reality is far more complex.
Conservative groups frequently use “save the children” rhetoric to disguise their transphobic agendas. They argue that gender-affirming care is being forced on vulnerable young people who might later regret their decisions, painting a misleading picture that ignores the stringent medical protocols in place. This approach isn’t new—it echoes tactics used in other moral panics throughout history, where fear and misinformation are leveraged to justify restrictive policies.
This narrative also gains traction because it taps into broader societal discomfort with trans and gender non-conforming identities. By focusing on detransition stories, these groups create the illusion that regret is widespread, even though the data clearly shows otherwise. These stories are then amplified through media outlets and social platforms, where sensationalism often takes precedence over accuracy.
It’s also worth noting that some individuals who regret transitioning later become vocal proponents of anti-trans policies. While their experiences are valid, their prominence in these discussions can skew public perception, making it seem like regret is more common than it actually is. In truth, their stories represent only a fraction of the broader trans community and trans experience.
Transitioning isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and it’s okay to talk about the complexities. But it’s crucial to ground those conversations in facts, not fear. The overwhelming majority of trans people who pursue gender-affirming care do so because it improves their quality of life, mental health, and overall well-being. For those who do detransition, their experiences often reveal the need for greater support and acceptance, not less.
The Impact of Social Support
Social support is one of the most crucial factors in ensuring that trans people thrive during and after their transition. Research consistently shows that when trans people are affirmed by their families, friends, and communities, they experience better mental health, higher self-esteem, and greater overall well-being. For example, research published in Pediatrics in 2018 found that trans youth with supportive families had rates of depression and suicidal ideation comparable to their cisgender peers. In contrast, rejection and discrimination can lead to worsened mental health, which may influence a person’s decision to detransition.
Community and peer support are equally vital. Trans individuals who find affirming spaces—whether through LGBTQ+ organizations, online communities, or local support groups—often report feeling more confident and secure in their identities. These networks provide not only emotional support but also practical resources, such as information on navigating healthcare systems and dealing with discrimination.
For trans adults, workplace inclusion can play a pivotal role. Companies that foster diversity and inclusion by implementing trans-affirming policies create environments where trans employees can thrive without fear of harassment or ostracism. Unfortunately, many trans people face significant barriers in professional settings, including misgendering and outright discrimination, which can erode their sense of safety and well-being.
When social support is absent, the impact can be devastating. Trans individuals without affirming environments are more likely to experience isolation, financial instability, and heightened mental health struggles. These challenges often compound, creating a cycle that can make it incredibly difficult to navigate the already complex process of transitioning.
However, when trans people receive robust support—whether it’s a parent using their correct pronouns, a friend advocating for their rights, or a workplace offering inclusive healthcare benefits—the results are transformative. The presence of even one affirming person in a trans person’s life can significantly reduce their risk of depression and suicidal ideation. Support isn’t just helpful; it’s life-saving.
What You Can Do
- Challenge misinformation: When you hear someone repeating myths about regret and detransition, share the facts.
- Support trans people: Whether it’s through advocacy, friendship, or donating to organizations that provide gender-affirming care, every bit helps.
- Stay informed: Understanding the nuances of these issues is key to being an ally.
At the end of the day, transitioning is about more than surgeries or statistics—it’s about living a life that feels true to who you are. When trans people have the support they need, they thrive. So, let’s keep fighting for a world where everyone has the freedom to live authentically, is supported by their communities, and is empowered to make decisions about their own bodies. Together, we can move beyond myths and build a future where trans joy takes center stage.
