The Inconvenient Truth about Robert Irvine's 'Transgenderism'

The article "Transgenderism" published on pittparents.com by Robert Irvine is a prime example of the kind of dangerous misinformation, pseudoscience and unfounded moral panic that continues to put transgender people's lives and well-being at risk. Let's break down some of the most egregious issues.1

Just who is Robert Irvine?

Irvine is a Christian minister who uses his Substack publication "Revd Robert Irvine" primarily to share his theological views and cultural commentary through a traditionalist religious lens. He states the purpose of the Substack is "to spread the Word of God, to announce Jesus Christ and Him crucified for our shortcomings."2

Recent posts on the publication discuss topics like the Holy Spirit, the state of religion in Iran, and theological interpretations of Jesus' life, demonstrating Irvine's focus on analyzing current events and social issues through his particular spiritual framework.

While Irvine is entitled to his religious beliefs, it's essential to recognize how this ideological starting point may color his perspective on transgender people and lead to biases or misinformation. Moral and theological convictions do not override the need for factual accuracy, scientific evidence, and basic respect for human dignity. You are always free to believe whatever you like, but your beliefs do not excuse your behavior when it comes to dehumanizing, disrespecting, or mistreating another fellow human being. If you claim you are a christian, I argue that this runs antithetical to being and calling yourself a christian.

With that context in mind, let's examine the numerous misrepresentations, fallacies and unsupported claims about transgender people and gender-affirming care promulgated in Irvine's article.

What’s in a name and numbers?

First, the very term "transgenderism" used throughout the piece is problematic, as it inaccurately suggests being transgender is an ideology rather than an innate identity.34 More appropriate terminology includes "transgender people", "trans man/trans woman", etc.56 Terms like this are dog-whistles for the “gender critical” ideologues, and expose a bias straightaway.

The author makes sweeping claims about the increasing prevalence of trans identities, especially among youth. However, large-scale studies indicate that as of 2022, an estimated 0.5% of U.S. adults (about 1.3 million) and 1.4% of youth ages 13-17 (about 300,000) identify as transgender.7 The reality is that as social acceptance grows, more trans people are able to live authentically, which is not the same as a "rapid onset" of identity.8 ROGD, “rapid onset” as a concept has been debunked and disproven time and time again. Putting aside this additional dog-whistle, I want to further highlight the fact that the available statistics indicates that:

1) The LGBTQ+ population has grown steadily in recent years, especially among younger generations
2) Transgender people make up a relatively stable fraction of the LGBTQ+ community across age groups

This lends credence to the idea that increasing transgender visibility is part of a broader trend of more LGBTQ+ people living openly, rather than a unique or unexplained phenomenon. The generational data in particular suggests a "rising tide lifts all boats" effect. All this is to say that whereas there is an increase in trans people coming out, this is in proportion to and within the expected ratio of the established prevalence of trans people in both LGBQ+ and the general population.

Mental Illness Myths and David Reimer

More egregiously, being transgender is mischaracterized as a "mental health condition." This is false - medical authorities like the APA and WHO have clearly stated being transgender is not a mental illness.9 Gender dysphoria, which some but not all trans people experience, is a distinct diagnosis.10 Research shows that gender-affirming care significantly improves mental health outcomes and quality of life for trans individuals.1112

The article's discussion of the tragic case of David Reimer, while intended as a cautionary tale about transition, actually affirms the innateness of gender identity. Reimer's unsuccessful forced reassignment and distress as a girl, despite being raised that way, demonstrates that one's sense of being a boy or girl cannot simply be changed by surgery and/or upbringing.13 His story underscores that gender identity is intrinsic to who we are, and is a “default setting” we all get - and sometimes this internal sense of self does not align with the external perceived self. We know from past experiences that have had tragic results that we cannot change one’s gender identity. David Reimer proves this for us in the worst, most tragic and stark manner possible, as does every suicide that occurs due to lack of support and trans care. The only thing that has been proven to work with a consistently and demonstrably high rate of success is to help those who want and need to transition, to do so safely.

The author also misrepresents how gender-affirming care works for transgender youth. The decision to pursue medical transition involves extensive assessments by mental health and medical professionals.14 Puberty blockers are safe, reversible, and provide time for thoughtful decision-making. 15Research indicates that access to gender-affirming care is associated with lower rates of depression, suicidality, and psychological distress in transgender youth.16

Fearmongering and Shared Spaces

Perhaps most offensively, the article engages in fearmongering by implying respecting trans people's pronouns or allowing them to use the correct facilities will enable predatory behavior. This is a transphobic scare tactic not supported by evidence17 - the same illogical arguments were used for decades against gay people. Studies show that transgender individuals face disproportionate rates of violence, harassment and discrimination1819, not that they perpetrate it. Furthermore, Irvine provides no actual evidence for these claims, relying instead on provocative examples and biased assumptions.

In reality, there is no data to support the notion that transgender inclusion puts women at risk. Experts and government officials have repeatedly confirmed that allowing transgender people to use the restrooms that match their identity has not been linked to any increase in public safety incidents.20 Cities and states with transgender nondiscrimination protections in place have not reported any rise in assaults or harassment as a result of those policies.21

On the contrary, research consistently shows that it is transgender individuals themselves who face disproportionate rates of violence, sexual assault and discrimination, often in public spaces like restrooms.A 2015 survey found that 47% of transgender people have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives. A majority of transgender individuals report experiencing harassment, denial of access or even physical violence when trying to use public restrooms.222324

The claim that respecting transgender identities will allow "men to enter women's spaces" and enable abuse is a transphobic dog whistle with no basis in fact. It is simply a recycled version of the same unfounded fears that were once used to argue against the inclusion of gay and lesbian people in public life. 25Bigots have long tried to paint marginalized groups as dangerous "others" to be feared, rather than human beings deserving of basic rights and dignity.

Here are the facts: Treating transgender people with respect by using their correct pronouns and allowing them to access facilities that align with their identity does not pose any increased risk to women's safety. It is a matter of basic fairness and equality. Transgender women are women, period. They deserve to use the restroom in peace like anyone else, without being demonized as potential predators.

The reality is that anti-transgender discrimination and fearmongering puts transgender people's lives at risk, not the other way around. It is long past time to reject these hateful myths and focus on protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Transgender people face more than enough hostility and violence already without being scapegoated for imaginary threats. They deserve safety and respect, not baseless attacks on their humanity.

Fairness in Sports

While the athletic abilities of transgender women can be debated, the author cherry-picks data to make an absolutist argument, ignoring existing regulations and case-by-case nuance. The current International Olympic Committee framework requires transgender women athletes to demonstrate total testosterone levels below 5 nmol/L for at least 12 months prior to competition.26 This policy aims to balance inclusion and fairness, recognizing that the physiological effects of testosterone suppression are not instantaneous.

Indeed, recent studies suggest the relationship between gender-affirming hormone therapy and athletic performance is complex. One 2021 paper tracking transgender individuals in the U.S. Air Force found that transwomen's fitness test scores decreased after starting hormones, while transmen's scores generally improved after one year of testosterone.27

Another 2022 study indicated that transwomen may actually be at a disadvantage compared to cisgender women in some measures like lung function and bone density after 3-4 years of hormone therapy. 28While more research is needed, these findings complicate the overly simplistic view of transwomen having an automatic athletic advantage.

The reality is that sporting policies for transgender athletes are still evolving as the science develops. Hyperbolic claims of transwomen universally dominating women's sports are not supported by facts. Each sport's governing bodies must weigh the available evidence to create eligibility criteria that are as fair and inclusive as possible. Blanket bans or fearmongering are not the answer.29

It Is All About the Ideologies, Fears, and Falsehoods

The author's theological motivations as a Christian minister do not excuse promoting discrimination and disinformation about transgender people. One's faith should inspire treating everyone with human dignity, not deny marginalized groups their right to self-determination.

Ultimately, articles like "Transgenderism" cause real harm to transgender people, who face stigma, bias and alarming rates of suicide and mental health issues.30 The real inconvenient truth is that society still has much to learn about transgender identities. Pieces like this underscore the urgent need for facts and compassion to prevail over fear and falsehoods.