Across the globe, trans and gender diverse people are being targeted by anti-gender movements operating at social, political, and institutional levels. Over the past several years, trans-led advocacy organizations have faced escalating attacks from actors within the anti-gender movement and other allied extremists who hold regressive views of gender and family.
The anti-gender movement does not have a singular definition, but it is understood to be extremist fringe organizations, well-funded and well-orchestrated, that oppose so-called gender ideology, gender theory, or genderism. In general, these anti-gender extremists seek to restore a “traditional” family structure and argue that doing so is a matter of morality and social stability.
In today’s landscape, these attacks have become more squarely focused on issues such as equality for trans and gender diverse people and access to reproductive healthcare, but the roots of the movement include opposition to women working outside of the home and other issues many within the general public would consider to be outdated, unpopular, and even dangerous. And, as anti-gender extremists have amassed mainstream power and large funding, their influence has allowed them to cause even greater harm.
By focusing on issues like trans equality, anti-gender extremists seek to exploit an issue that is still misunderstood by many members of the general public. These actors prey on the unfamiliarity of otherwise well-meaning members of the public and seek to create division between trans and gender diverse folks, their loved ones and allies, and other members of society who are susceptible to fear-based tactics and manipulation.
Our analysis shows that anti-gender movements are growing in power and geographical reach and becoming more successful in pushing back against the hard-won gains by LGBTIQ+ communities. The antidote to these attacks is increased familiarity with trans and gender diverse people, as well as a deeper understanding of the issues where anti-gender extremists seek to create division. By sharing our stories and expertise as trans and gender diverse people, people who need access to reproductive healthcare, and people who benefit from open and fair democracy, we can combat the cultural impacts of fear and misunderstanding.
At GATE, our mission is to empower trans and gender diverse communities to effectively counter anti-gender movements. To support this effort, we have developed a series of recommendations and guidelines for organizations and individuals to respond to these challenges.
