Three studies found that adults who learned about similarities in gender development were more supportive of transgender youths’ ability to determine their own gender identity.
The research examined how adults’ beliefs about gender development relate to their views of transgender youth. In the first study, 200 adults tended to believe that transgender youth develop gender identity later than cisgender youth. That belief predicted less support for children’s autonomy in determining their gender identity and greater support for laws that limit transgender rights.
In two further studies, participants learned about similarities in the development of transgender and cisgender children. This intervention reduced the belief that transgender youth develop gender identity later. The change was linked to greater support for children’s autonomy in a nationally representative sample of 1,552 people and to increased donations to an organization supporting transgender youth in a study of 174 people.
What the studies found
Study 1 included 200 adults. Participants believed that transgender youth develop gender identity later than cisgender youth. This belief predicted lower support for children’s autonomy to determine their gender identity and greater support for anti-transgender legislation. In Study 2, involving 1,552 people in a nationally representative sample, learning about similarities in gender development reduced that belief. The reduction was associated with greater support for gender identity autonomy, which was associated with less support for anti-transgender legislation. In Study 3, with 174 participants, the intervention increased donations to an organization supporting transgender youths’ rights.
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Communications Psychology · 2026 · DOI: 10.1038/s44271-026-00510-y
Authors: Jessica J. Glazier, Analia F. Albuja
Institutions: Northeastern University, Clark University
