Disinformation is the spread of false information with the intent to mislead, deceive and confuse. It can lead to misinformation when people believe it and continue to spread it.
In today’s digital age, disinformation easily spreads, often taking advantage of sensitive or highly political topics to instill fear and confusion. One area that has unfortunately fallen victim to disinformation is gender-affirming care. A group of people, driven by their own personal agendas and conservative ideals, are actively perpetuating false narratives to sow doubts, spread fear, and create distrust and divisions. The consequences can be severe, especially for young people seeking support. Disinformation can prevent young people from accessing the care they truly need and have a right to access.
As responsible consumers of information, it is our duty to identify and counter such disinformation. Here are some ways that may help identify truth amongst disinformation:
Identifying Competent Experts in the Field
To avoid falling prey to disinformation, seek knowledge from reliable sources and known experts. Look for reputable organisations, medical professionals, and mental health experts with a thorough understanding of gender-affirming care and experience working directly with trans, gender diverse and non-binary people. Credible sources will rely on evidence-based and peer reviewed research, follow strict ethical practices, adopt best practice research guidelines and be widely recognised and respected in the community. Remember, true experts do not have vested interests in promoting specific agendas.
Recognising Bias and Agendas
It is crucial to recognise any implicit or explicit bias when consuming information about gender-affirming care. Some sources may have hidden agendas or prejudices that skew their reporting. For example, be cautious of narratives that portray women and children as vulnerable, in need of protection from and by men; or statements portraying children and young people as not knowing themselves. Remember, children and young people know who they are, adults need to listen to them.
Encourage critical thinking and the evaluation of sources to discern fact from fiction. Look out for media organisations and research bodies that have previously done balanced reporting and research that engages with well-known trans-led community organisations.
Educating Ourselves
Education is a powerful tool against disinformation. Invest time in reading reputable articles, listening to trans voices and attending workshops that provide insights into gender diversity and gender-affirming care from the perspective of experts in the field.
If you missed our webinar on Transcending Disinformation: Challenging Myths and Empowering Change with our CEO, Jeremy Wiggins and the Director of Trans Justice Project, Jackie Turner, download our Tip Sheet. And sign up to our mailing list to find out about upcoming webinars and events.
You can also read our Tip Sheet on Gender Affirming Care to understand the facts that are so often misrepresented and find a list of reputable sources to continue your reading.
Personal Stories
Personal stories can be a powerful way to counter disinformation. Listening to the experiences of a wide range of individuals who have received gender-affirming care or have opted not to humanises the issue, dispels myths, and promotes acceptance and compassion.
If you are interested in finding out how to share your story and missed our webinar on Harnessing the Power of Storytelling: Transforming narrative to drive change with guest speaker, Nevo Zisin, look out for new resources on this coming in 2024.
Advocating for Inclusivity and Evidence-Based Policies
Advocate for Human Rights, and for any additional inclusive policies and laws that protect the rights of trans, gender diverse and non-binary individuals and promote equity and equality. Evidence-based policies grounded in robust, ethical research are essential to ensure equal access to healthcare and support. Our work in this space has led to significant legal changes to legislation about Birth Certificate reform in Queensland, inclusion of trans voices in policy development and decisions that involve us, and important reviews of models of care in healthcare settings.
We also work with trans, gender diverse and non-binary young people on programs and activities to empower them to amplify their voices, to participate in conversations and debates about them, to advocate for their rights and influence decisions that affect them.
Let your local, state and federal representatives know when harmful policies and legislation that seek to curtail the human rights of our community are being introduced or debated. Advocate for and support legislation that addresses malicious spreading of false information, vilification and attacks on the safety of trans, gender diverse and non-binary people or their families, allies and supporters.
Reporting Disinformation
We all play a role in stopping the spread of disinformation. If you come across false information, or information that is imbalanced, untrue and/or unethical, report it to the appropriate platforms or authorities. By taking action, you can help create a safer online environment and protect individuals from harm.
Use this handy guide from Trans Justice Project on How to make a complaint about biased anti-trans media.
In order to strive for a society that promotes and embraces equality and equity we must be vigilant against disinformation on gender-affirming care. By relying on credible sources, educating ourselves, and promoting inclusivity, we can foster a society that embraces diversity and supports the rights of all individuals, no matter who they are, how they identify or their background. Let us work together to debunk falsehoods, seek the truth, and ensure that gender-affirming care is accessible to those who need and deserve it.
Links and Further Reading
Tip Sheets for Families, Transcend Australia
Resources, Trans Justice Project↗︎
Resources, Transforming Families
Understanding the Transgender Community, Human Rights Campaign
Debunking the Myths: Transgender Health and Wellbeing, Human Rights Campaign
Rights & Justice, TransHub