Autogynephilia (AGP) is a term coined by sexologist Ray Blanchard in the 1980s to describe a proposed subtype of transgender women who, according to his theory, experience sexual arousal from the idea of themselves as women. Blanchard’s framework, part of his broader typology of transsexualism, categorizes transgender women into two groups: “homosexual transsexuals” (trans women attracted to men) and “autogynephilic transsexuals” (trans women attracted to women or who experience AGP).

The concept has been highly controversial, with critics arguing it pathologizes transgender identities, reduces complex experiences to sexual motivation, and lacks empirical rigor. Despite its contested status, AGP has been weaponized by certain groups to undermine transgender people’s identities and push them toward detransition—a process often referred to as “peaking.”

Understanding AGP and Its Origins

Blanchard’s theory posits that some trans women’s gender identity is rooted in a paraphilic sexual orientation, where the desire to transition is driven by erotic fantasies of embodying a female self. He based this on clinical observations, claiming that trans women who were not exclusively attracted to men often reported arousal tied to cross-dressing or imagining themselves as women.

The term “autogynephilia” derives from Greek roots meaning “love of oneself as a woman.”The concept has faced significant criticism. Trans scholars, activists, and researchers, such as Julia Serano, argue that AGP oversimplifies transgender experiences, ignores the diversity of gender dysphoria, and dismisses the lived realities of trans people.

Studies challenging Blanchard’s work, like those by J. Michael Bailey and others, point out methodological flaws, such as small sample sizes and reliance on anecdotal reports. Many trans people reject AGP as a framework, asserting that their gender identity is not inherently sexual but rather a deep-seated sense of self. Mainstream organizations, including the American Psychological Association, do not endorse AGP as a definitive explanation for transgender identities.

Weaponization of AGP in Anti-Trans Narratives

Despite its lack of broad acceptance, AGP has been co-opted by anti-trans groups, particularly within “gender-critical” or trans-exclusionary radical feminist (TERF) circles, as a tool to delegitimize trans identities. These groups use AGP to frame trans women as “men with a fetish,” implying that their gender identity is a psychological disorder rather than a legitimate expression of self. This narrative is often spread through online platforms, including social media like X, where posts amplify AGP to sow doubt and shame among trans individuals.The weaponization of AGP often follows a deliberate strategy:

1. Pathologizing Trans Identities: By framing trans women’s gender as a “paraphilia,” AGP is used to portray transition as a misguided or pathological choice rather than a response to gender dysphoria. This rhetoric dismisses trans people’s autonomy and lived experiences, suggesting they are “deluded” or “perverted.”
2. Sowing Doubt and Shame: Anti-trans activists target vulnerable trans individuals, particularly those early in their transition or questioning their identity, with AGP-based arguments. They may claim that trans women’s feelings are “just a fetish,” encouraging self-doubt and internalized transphobia. This tactic is especially prevalent in online spaces, where anonymous accounts or forums like Reddit’s r/detrans amplify these ideas.
3. Pushing for “Peaking” and Detransition: The term “peaking” refers to a moment when a trans person or ally begins to question the validity of trans identities, often due to exposure to anti-trans rhetoric. AGP is used to “peak” trans individuals by framing their gender identity as a mistake or mental illness, pressuring them to detransition—revert to living as their assigned gender at birth. Anti-trans groups may share detransition stories, often exaggerating their prevalence, to reinforce the idea that transition is inherently harmful or reversible.

The “Peaking” Process and Its Impact

The “peaking” process often involves a combination of psychological manipulation and misinformation. Anti-trans activists may engage trans individuals directly, posing as concerned allies or detransitioners, to introduce AGP as an explanation for their feelings.

For example, they might ask leading questions like, “Have you ever felt aroused by dressing as a woman?” to plant seeds of doubt. Such tactics exploit the complexity of human sexuality and gender, weaponizing normal experiences (like occasional arousal tied to self-expression) to undermine trans identities.

This rhetoric can be particularly damaging to trans women who are already navigating societal stigma, family rejection, or internal doubts. The shame induced by AGP accusations may lead some to question their transition, even when it aligns with their authentic self.

Data on detransition is limited, but studies, such as a 2021 survey in Transgender Health, suggest that only 1-2% of trans people detransition due to regret, with many citing external pressures like social stigma or lack of support rather than AGP-related doubts. Yet, anti-trans groups amplify these stories to create a narrative of widespread regret.

Other studies veer closer to 12% overall, but that is still lower than the average regret rate for non-gender-related surgical interventions.

The Role of Online Platforms

X and other social media platforms have become battlegrounds for AGP-related rhetoric. Posts from accounts critical of trans identities often cite AGP to argue that trans women are not “real women” but rather men driven by sexual motives. These posts may link to outdated studies or cherry-picked anecdotes, ignoring broader scientific consensus.

For example, a 2023 analysis of X posts found that terms like “autogynephilia” and “fetish” spiked in discussions about trans rights, often tied to hashtags like #TransWomenAreMen.

Trans advocates counter these narratives by sharing personal stories and citing research that affirms gender diversity. However, the algorithmic nature of platforms like X can amplify divisive content, making it harder for affirming voices to compete with sensationalized anti-trans rhetoric.

Countering the Weaponization of AGP

To resist the weaponization of AGP, trans communities and allies emphasize several strategies:

• Education and Awareness: Highlighting the flaws in AGP theory and its lack of mainstream support helps dismantle its credibility. Resources like Serano’s Whipping Girl or peer-reviewed critiques in journals like The Lancet provide robust counterarguments.
• Affirming Narratives: Sharing diverse trans experiences—beyond the sexualized lens of AGP—helps normalize gender dysphoria and transition as valid, non-pathological processes.
• Community Support: Safe spaces, both online and offline, allow trans individuals to process doubts without external manipulation. Support groups and affirming therapists can counteract the shame induced by AGP rhetoric.
• Challenging Misinformation: Reporting or debunking anti-trans content on platforms like X can limit its reach. Engaging with accurate, science-based information helps shift the narrative.

Conclusion

AGP, while rooted in a contested academic theory, has been co-opted as a weapon to undermine trans identities and pressure individuals into detransition. By framing trans women’s experiences as inherently sexual or pathological, anti-trans groups exploit AGP to sow doubt and shame, particularly in vulnerable moments. The “peaking” process, amplified by online rhetoric, seeks to destabilize trans people’s sense of self, but it relies on misinformation and oversimplification. Through education, community support, and affirming narratives, trans individuals and allies can resist these tactics, fostering resilience and authenticity in the face of harmful rhetoric.