Brynn Tannehill has written about some new myths about transgender people making the rounds. They are especially aimed at harming trans kids, so don't be surprised to find that you encounter them from your right.

Brynn supplies the myths, but I will provide my own reaction.

Myth #1: Gender dysphoria can be cured by an anti-psychotic.

In a case study from 1996, there was a patient who was schizophrenic and also presented with symptoms of similar to gender dysphoria. The latter symptoms were eased through the use of primozide, an anti-psychotic. So naturally, some rightwing sources are pushing it as a cure for gender dysphoria. They are also claiming a CT that the medical professionals are covering this up.

Personal story: When I was transitioning, I encountered someone who had been diagnosed with multiple personality disorder who was seeking to transition because one of the personalities was a little girl. I counseled him/her to find a resolution for the MPD situation before taking on other challenges.

One of the reasons transfolk have been required to engage in psychological therapy is to discover and challenge any co-morbidities we may have before we go to far on the gender train. I myself found that transitioning ended up curing my OCD. I'm thankful for that.

Additionally, there have been attempts to “cure” transgender (and gay) people with antipsychotics in the past, and they did not work (because they are separate etiologies). To make a comparison, it would be like observing that a person with acute abdominal pain was cured by having his appendix removed, therefore everyone with abdominal pain should have their appendix removed.

--Tannehill

Myth #2: Abusing trans people is good for them.

There is a school of conservative thought (which includes, among many others, Milo Yiannopolos)...or maybe its a detention facility...that abuse, mocking, humiliation and discrimination are good for us transfolk. That ultimately such treatment will return us to the closet and stop us from purporting to be transgender.

There are plenty of actual peer-reviewed studies which inform us that transgender people do better when they live in places which are more affirming and have legal protections. Transgender people, both youth and adults, have better mental life outcomes when they have supportive families. Rejection, discrimination, and abuse are among the best predictors for suicide, drug use, homelessness, and other bad outcomes for transgender people.

Of course, the students in that school of thought couldn't care less about what is good for transgender people. They are just seeking to justify their status as bullies.

The (flawed) logic being employed by people advocating abuse and discrimination is that if transgender people are treated badly enough, they’ll self-deport to the closet and stop being transgender. And if they’re not transgender, then they will be better off. This makes as little sense, both logically and morally, as advocating for society to abuse autistic people until they decide to stop being autistic.

--Tannehill

Myth #3: Gender non-conformity heralds the end of civilization.

Gosh, what power we transfolk possess. If only we knew how to use it effectively and efficiently.

If we lived in a rational world, most people would realize this is as hyperbolic as it sounds. Unfortunately, of all the myths in this article, this one has the strongest backing by religious organizations and conservative media. The Federalist has argued that transgender people destroy everything in their wake, and will end “the concepts of male and female entirely.” Conservative outlets have also argued transgender people will destroy feminism, the Democratic Party, and “Greek life” on college campuses (seriously).

--Tannehill

Of course, the current and past popes have been on this track. Pope Francis has denounced trans people as "the annihilation of God in man." Pope Benedict compared the destruction we bring to nuclear weapons.

Transgender people have a long history. We are highlighted in the Kama Sutra, and Bhagavad Gita. South Sea Islanders have historical accounts of us in their mythologies. So do North American native tribes.

Guess what: the world hasn't ended through all this time.

Many of the reasons proffered as to why transgender people will destroy life, the universe, and everything seem to be based on religious beliefs. They worry that accepting transgender people will destroy religion in America (never mind the fact that two-thirds of American transgender people identify as Christian), or that God will smite America in retaliation for accepting transgender people.

--Tannehill

So far...no smiting.