Chris Hayes examines the GOP’s exaggerated claims about trans Americans and the reality behind the numbers
They’ve been running campaigns that stoke fears about trans women in sports and trans youth needing medical care or just wanting to use a bathroom in peace. But really, how big of an issue is this? And why is it even a topic of discussion?
When you ask Republicans, they often can’t provide a solid answer. Take Jim Justice, the governor of West Virginia. He signed a ban on trans students in sports but couldn’t name a single case of a trans child trying to cheat in sports.
This panic has skewed public perception. A YouGov poll showed that people think over 20% of the country is trans, but the actual number is just 0.6%.
Then there’s the claim that trans athletes are dominating women’s sports. That’s just not true. The NCAA head said there are fewer than 10 trans athletes among 510,000 college athletes. That’s less than 0.002%.
And about those claims of kids being brainwashed with puberty blockers? Research shows that fewer than 1,000 youth accessed them, and less than 2,000 ever got hormones. That’s less than 0.1% of teens with private insurance.
The truth is, there are way fewer trans Americans than the far right wants you to believe. They need this narrative to fuel their culture wars. But regardless of numbers, every trans person deserves dignity, respect, and equal rights.
