The Gender Identity Theory Boom: Autism, Social Media, and Echoes of Dark Histories

In just a few short years, gender identity theory has surged from academic obscurity into mainstream culture, dominating debates in schools, politics, and on social media. But beneath the surface of this rapid rise lies a swirl of complex questions: What is the science behind gender dysphoria? How much of it overlaps with autism? Has social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, played a role in driving the explosion of young people, particularly autistic girls, seeking gender transitions? And—most controversially—is this movement comparable to some of the darkest chapters in human history, such as Nazi eugenics or even the Oxycodone crisis?

As debates rage, religious leaders like Pope Francis and conservative theologians argue that the entire gender identity phenomenon is not just a social issue, but a spiritual battle. Is it, as they claim, a sign of moral decay in a society that has lost its Christian moorings? Today, we’ll cut through the noise to get to the heart of the matter.

The Science Behind Gender Identity: Are We Confusing Gender Dysphoria with Autism?

At the heart of the gender identity debate are claims about science—specifically, that gender dysphoria is something wired into the brain. Studies have touted differences in areas like the insula and the anterior cingulate cortex, arguing these regions prove gender identity is neurologically distinct from biological sex. But hang on a minute—because these same brain areas are also linked to autism.

Autism, particularly in girls, is often underdiagnosed or misunderstood. And now, some experts are asking if the scientific studies used to identify gender dysphoria are, in fact, looking at the autistic brain rather than the brain of someone with true gender dysphoria. Are we diagnosing these vulnerable girls with gender dysphoria when what we’re really seeing are traits of autism?

This overlap raises huge questions. How many young people have been nudged down a path of gender transition when their real struggles lie elsewhere? And how much is this decision driven by something more insidious—social pressure amplified by the endless scroll of social media?

In recent years, a significant number of young people, particularly those on the autism spectrum, have begun to detransition, raising critical questions about how gender dysphoria is diagnosed and treated in neurodiverse individuals. Cases like those of Keira Bell in the UK and Dagny in Sweden have shone a spotlight on the complex relationship between autism and gender identity, sparking debate about whether autistic children are being too readily led down the path of transitioning.

Keira Bell: A Landmark Legal Battle

Keira Bell, a young woman from the UK, began transitioning to male during her teenage years. Diagnosed with gender dysphoria at the Tavistock Clinic in London, she was put on puberty blockers and later prescribed testosterone. Bell underwent a double mastectomy, all before reaching her twenties. However, by her early 20s, she began to realize that transitioning had not resolved her underlying issues.

Bell, who is autistic, later detransitioned, arguing that her decision to change genders had been made too hastily. She believes her autism played a significant role in her experience of dysphoria and that it was not properly considered during her treatment. "I needed therapy, not surgery," Bell has said in interviews.

In 2020, Bell brought a case against the Tavistock Clinic, alleging that children under 16 could not give informed consent to puberty blockers. The High Court initially ruled in her favor, leading to a temporary halt on such treatments for minors in the UK. Although the ruling was later overturned on appeal, Bell’s case remains a crucial turning point in discussions about gender dysphoria treatment for autistic youth.

Dagny: A Voice from Sweden’s "Trans Train"

In Sweden, a similar story unfolded with Dagny, another young woman who transitioned to male in her teens. Diagnosed with gender dysphoria, Dagny was prescribed puberty blockers and testosterone and eventually had her breasts removed. However, like Bell, Dagny came to regret the decision.

Her experience was documented in the Swedish program "The Trans Train," which highlighted her belief that her autism, combined with depression and a struggle with self-acceptance, was at the heart of her feelings of dysphoria. She felt that medical professionals encouraged her transition without fully exploring these deeper issues. After detransitioning, Dagny’s story became emblematic of a growing movement of young people, particularly those on the autism spectrum, who feel that they were rushed into irreversible medical procedures.

A Worrying Trend?

The cases of Bell and Dagny are not isolated. Increasingly, experts and detransitioners are questioning whether enough caution is being exercised in the treatment of autistic youth with gender dysphoria. Some studies suggest that autistic individuals may be disproportionately represented among those diagnosed with gender dysphoria, yet there is concern that their unique cognitive profiles, including tendencies towards rigid thinking or a desire to "fit in," are not always adequately considered.

Critics argue that social media and cultural influences may also play a role in shaping how young autistic people perceive their gender identity. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where gender transition is frequently discussed and even celebrated, can have a profound impact on impressionable youth who may be grappling with complex issues of identity.

Medical professionals are now facing growing scrutiny over whether they are too quick to affirm gender dysphoria in autistic individuals without first addressing the broader psychological and emotional challenges they may be facing. The rapid rise in the number of detransitioners, many of whom are autistic, is leading to calls for a more cautious and individualized approach.

As the debate over gender identity continues to evolve, the experiences of Keira Bell, Dagny, and others like them serve as a stark reminder of the need for greater care in diagnosing and treating gender dysphoria, particularly among vulnerable populations like those with autism.

Social Media's Power: TikTok and the Rise of Transitions in Autistic Girls

Here’s where things get really interesting. As TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube explode with content about gender identity, something troubling is happening—autistic girls are transitioning at an astonishing rate. Once upon a time, gender dysphoria was rare. But now, it’s almost everywhere. Between 2010 and 2020, referrals for gender treatment in the UK soared by over 4,000%. And autistic girls make up a significant chunk of this rise.

Autism often brings with it intense focus and susceptibility to auto-confirmation bias, where individuals seek out and cling to information that aligns with what they’re already thinking. It’s not hard to see how an autistic teenager, struggling to make sense of the world, might latch onto the seemingly clear-cut answer provided by gender identity theory.

Add social contagion into the mix—a phenomenon where ideas spread like wildfire among peer groups—and you’ve got a recipe for massive social shifts. Gender identity has become more than just an option; for many, it’s presented as the answer to their deepest struggles, even when it might not be.

Gender Identity Theory and Nazi Eugenics: An Uncomfortable Comparison

Now, let’s dive into the controversy. Some critics have begun drawing a stark comparison between gender identity theory and one of the darkest chapters in modern history—Nazi eugenics. This isn’t about saying they’re morally equivalent, but let’s think about the similarities. Nazi eugenics was all about controlling bodies, modifying humans to fit a preconceived ideal through medical interventions, sterilizations, and worse.

Today, the medicalization of gender identity—where children are placed on puberty blockers or undergo surgeries—echoes that same drive to "fix" what’s perceived to be a problem. It’s driven by ideology, and many critics argue that there’s not enough long-term data to fully understand the consequences of these medical interventions.

Are we rushing into life-altering procedures on children, particularly autistic individuals, without giving enough thought to whether their gender dysphoria is a by product of something else, like autism or trauma? And in this rush to "correct," are we repeating the mistakes of history?

The Oxycodone Crisis: When Social Pressure and Medicine Collide

There’s another disturbing parallel—this time with the Oxycodone crisis. Just like gender identity theory, Oxycodone was pushed hard by advocates, in this case, the pharmaceutical companies. They said it would solve people’s pain problems. And it did—until it didn’t. We now know the devastation opioids have caused, with hundreds of thousands dead from addiction and overdose. It wasn’t until years later that society woke up to the manipulation and harm caused by the Oxycodone boom.

With gender identity, we might be seeing a similar pattern. Advocacy groups, schools, and even some doctors are pushing children down the path of transition without fully understanding the long-term impact. Are we walking into another public health disaster, one that we won’t realize until decades down the line?

Pope Francis, Christianity, and the Religious View: A Force of Evil?

For many Christians, this isn’t just a medical or social debate—it’s a spiritual crisis. Pope Francis has consistently criticized "gender ideology," warning that it distorts human nature and undermines the family, which he sees as the foundation of God’s creation. He’s spoken against the idea that gender is something you can choose, instead affirming that we are created male and female in God’s image.

And it’s not just Pope Francis. Gary Hamrick, a prominent theologian, goes even further, calling gender identity theory a Satan-driven agenda aimed at dismantling traditional Christian values. For him, it’s no coincidence that this rise in gender fluidity has come at a time when fewer people are being raised in the Christian faith. The spiritual vacuum left by the decline of religion, Hamrick argues, has been filled with dangerous ideologies that pull people away from God’s design.

In this view, gender identity theory isn’t just a social movement—it’s a sign of moral decay, a rebellion against God’s natural order. And the fewer people are grounded in Christian teachings, the more vulnerable they are to these "evil" forces.

The Role of Schools: Gender Theory and Education

If you think all of this is confined to social media and the headlines, think again. Schools are now frontlines in the gender identity debate. Across the UK, gender identity theory has been embedded in the curriculum, with children being taught about gender fluidity from a young age. In some places, kids are being encouraged to explore their gender identity, raising concerns about whether education is being used to promote a particular ideology.

And the numbers speak for themselves. The more schools introduce gender identity theory, the more children identify as non-binary or transgender. Critics argue that this educational push is playing a key role in driving the wave of transitions, especially among neurodiverse students.

Are schools helping children understand complex identity issues, or are they pushing vulnerable students into decisions that will change their lives forever? It’s a question that’s yet to be fully answered.

Conclusion: Time for a Wake-Up Call?

The rise of gender identity theory, especially among autistic individuals, raises profound questions about science, medicine, history, and faith. Are we in the middle of a social revolution that will free people from outdated ideas of gender? Or are we hurtling toward a crisis of regret, medical malpractice, and cultural confusion?

Whether it’s compared to Nazi eugenics, the Oxycodone disaster, or framed as a battle between good and evil by religious leaders like Pope Francis, this much is clear: the debate is far from over. As society pushes forward, we need to slow down, take stock, and ask the hard questions. Because when it comes to something as personal and permanent as gender transition, we owe it to ourselves—and especially to our children—not to get it wrong.