According to a new poll conducted by Washington Post-KFF, the majority of American adults believe that gender is determined based on sex at birth.
WHY IT MATTERS – The status of transgender individuals continues to be a flash point in the culture wars, especially around issues of participation in athletics and treatment of children.
THE STATS – Participants were asked if they believe that gender is based on the sex “assigned” at birth:
- 57 percent of participants agree
- 43 percent of participants believe a person could change their gender later in life
They were also asked if males should be allowed to participate in women’s sports:
- 66 percent of participants do not believe that biological males should be allowed to compete in women’s sports competitions
- 34 percent of participants support biological males competing in women’s sports competitions
Participants were also asked specific details regarding transgender issues:
- 68 percent of participants were against giving puberty blockers to kids ages 10 to 14.
- However, 62 percent supported so called “gender affirming counseling or therapy” for children the same age.
- 77 percent of participants believe it is inappropriate for teachers to discuss their transgender identities with students in kindergarten to third grade
THE BOTTOM LINE – While Americans are generally supportive of transgender individuals rights to live how they see fit, many elements of gender ideology is not supported by most Americans.