A recent study has revealed a new form of stigma faced by individuals who detransition, termed "detransphobia." This research, the largest of its kind in decades, surveyed nearly 1,000 people in Canada and the United States who have halted or reversed their gender transitions. Many respondents reported feeling unsupported by LGBTQ groups and gender-affirming care providers. They expressed a desire for a more neutral approach from medical professionals regarding their care.

The study, led by researchers from York University and published in the International Journal of Transgender Health, highlights that the current gender-affirming care system often assumes that gender identity is fixed. This assumption can create an environment where multiple transitions and gender fluidity are misunderstood or stigmatized. The researchers noted, "While this may be the reality for many TGD (transgender and gender diverse) people, this presumption can create environments in which multiple transitions, gender fluidity, and detransitions are misunderstood or even stigmatized."

Detransition is defined as stopping, shifting, or reversing aspects of an initial gender transition. This can include changing names and pronouns, halting hormone therapy, or seeking reversal surgeries. The researchers indicated that estimates of detransition rates vary widely, from less than one percent to as high as 30 percent. Many previous studies have only tracked individuals for a few years, leading to gaps in data.

Some individuals who detransition may later choose to retransition, particularly if they felt pressured to detransition due to family expectations or societal discrimination. One survey participant described this pressure as part of "the climate of fear around trans people." Others may experience internal pressures, such as a shift in identity or a realization that their gender dysphoria was linked to other issues, including trauma or internalized homophobia.

The study also found that individuals undergoing detransition often retain physical characteristics from prior hormonal and surgical treatments. This can lead to what the researchers termed "reverse dysphoria," a distress related to their physical changes. Despite these challenges, there are currently no formal healthcare guidelines to address the medical and psychological needs of detransitioners, who may also face social rejection from LGBTQ communities.

One participant shared their feelings of alienation, stating, "I feel so alienated now, and super isolated from the rest of the queer community." Another participant noted, "I lost every adult and friend in my life when I chose to detransition. I lost everything I had socially."

The study was conducted through an anonymous survey from December 2023 to April 2024, involving 957 participants aged 16 and older, with 704 from the U.S. and 253 from Canada. The researchers aimed to capture a broad range of experiences by advertising on social media platforms and distributing the survey to over 615 trans and LGBTQ groups and gender clinics. They also implemented measures to filter out fraudulent responses. Among the participants, 79 percent were born female, reflecting a notable increase in biological girls seeking gender transition services.