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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Fake Story About Trans Athlete Spreads Online

Fake Story About Trans Athlete Spreads Online

Lia Thomas, who received widespread attention as a transgender member of the women’s swimming team at the University of Pennsylvania, has graduated from college and is no longer on the school team. But claims about her persist online, including one recent falsehood, which originated on a satirical site, claiming that she joined a men’s team.

Bogus Claim About Miss USA Originated on Satirical Website

Bogus Claim About Miss USA Originated on Satirical Website

The Miss USA crown was passed to the runner-up earlier this year, and the Miss Netherlands title went to that country’s first transgender winner in July. Both will compete to be Miss Universe in December. But a Facebook post spreads a bogus claim about Miss USA boycotting the upcoming competition.

Posts Make False Claim About Cause of Gender Dysphoria

Posts Make False Claim About Cause of Gender Dysphoria

Recent research suggests that gender dysphoria is likely caused by a combination of factors, including hormone exposure before birth. But social media posts make the baseless claim that it could be caused by a vaccine containing DNA from an aborted fetus of the opposite sex. There is no scientific evidence for such a claim, experts said.

Young Children Do Not Receive Medical Gender Transition Treatment

Young Children Do Not Receive Medical Gender Transition Treatment

Families seeking information from a health care provider about a young child’s gender identity may have their questions answered or receive counseling. Some posts share a misleading claim that toddlers are being “transitioned.” To be clear, prepubescent children are not offered transition surgery or drugs.

Online Claims Misrepresent Washington Bill Aimed at Runaway Transgender Youth

Online Claims Misrepresent Washington Bill Aimed at Runaway Transgender Youth

Q: Does a proposed law in Washington state say that the government can take children away from parents who don’t agree to gender transition surgery?

A: No. Under the bill, licensed youth shelters no longer have to report the location of a runaway child to the child’s parents if the child is seeking gender-affirming or reproductive care. Instead, the shelters must notify the state’s child services department.

Kansas School Sports Act Doesn’t Require ‘Genital Inspections,’ Contrary to Online Posts

Kansas School Sports Act Doesn’t Require ‘Genital Inspections,’ Contrary to Online Posts

Kansas passed a bill allowing only “biologically female” students to play on girls’ and women’s athletic teams from elementary through college. Social media posts misleadingly claim the bill will allow “forced genital inspections” of students. The bill doesn’t mention genital inspections, and it leaves the implementation of policies up to schools’ governing bodies.