An alarming trend has emerged among transgender youth recently, showing an increased vulnerability to violent radicalization. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened uncertainty and social polarization, further compromising the ability of young people to envision a positive future and maintain a sense of purpose. This environment has fueled the emergence of extremist groups and created narratives that channel despair and rage in susceptible individuals.
A 2022 study titled “Meaning in Life, Future Orientation and Support for Violent Radicalization Among Canadian College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic” investigated the associations between a positive future orientation, presence of and search for meaning in life, and support for violent radicalization (VR) in a diverse sample of Canadian college students. The study found that youth who identified as transgender or gender-diverse were at the highest risk for violent radicalization.
A 2022 study of Quebec youth found transgender youth were the group at highest risk of support for violent radicalization https://t.co/o5zr9MJ96l pic.twitter.com/jgPUGl8Op2
— Wesley Yang (@wesyang) March 27, 2023
Similarly, a 2011 study in Sweden found that female-to-males had higher crime rates than female controls, which indicates that sex reassignment is coupled with increased crime rates in female-to-males, particularly violent crime.
These findings have come to the forefront following the tragedy that occurred on Monday in which a woman who identified as transgender killed six people, including three young children, at a K-6 school in Nashville, Tennessee. This incident occurred on the first day of the “transgender week of visibility” and has brought attention to the need for understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to the radicalization of transgender youth.
Moreover, the promotion of violence among some factions of the transgender community has become more evident. Following the Nashville incident, a protest occurred in Murfreesboro, just south of Nashville, where Breitbart News captured footage of protesters, with one holding a sign reading, “TRANS GIRLS NEED GUNS.”
Either @katiehobbs fires her comms person for encouraging gun violence after the Christian school shooting or she endorses the act… there's no in between. pic.twitter.com/T3p3bmVw2o
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) March 29, 2023
In another instance, a group of Arizona GOP state lawmakers called for the immediate firing of Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs’ press secretary, Josselyn Berry, over a tweet invoking gun violence against “transphobes.” The tweet featured a GIF from the 1980 movie “Gloria,” showing a woman brandishing two handguns, with the caption, “Us when we see transphobes.”
The increasing vulnerability of transgender youth to violent radicalization is a grave concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the challenges these young individuals face, and addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. It is vital to identify and address the root causes of this radicalization and engage in open dialogue to create a more peaceful and harmonious society.
The recent incidents, studies, and calls for action demonstrate the urgency of addressing the radicalization of transgender youth. It is crucial that society takes a stand against the promotion of violence in any form and works together to ensure the safety of all citizens.
