Decline in Trans Identification Among Young People: A New Trend?
Recent studies indicate that the trend of young individuals identifying as transgender may be slowing down. Data from college campuses shows a significant drop in the number of Gen Z students identifying as transgender over the past three years.
Eric Kaufmann, a professor of politics at the University of Buckingham, analyzed a comprehensive survey of U.S. undergraduates in which students were asked to specify their gender. This survey included various options such as:
- Man
- Woman
- Nonbinary
- Agender
- Genderqueer or genderfluid
- Unsure
- Prefer not to say
In a survey of 68,000 students in 2025, only 3.6% identified as a gender other than male or female. This marked a decrease from 5.2% in 2024 and 6.8% in both 2022 and 2023. Kaufmann’s analysis revealed that the number of students identifying as transgender has effectively halved in just two years.
Additionally, Kaufmann noted that the identification of non-conforming sexual identities has also seen a sharp decline, while the identification of gay or lesbian individuals remained stable. Interestingly, heterosexual identification has increased by 10 percentage points since 2023. In the latest data, fewer first-year college students identified as “trans or queer” compared to seniors, a trend that is contrary to what was observed in the previous year.
The “College Free Speech Rankings” survey, conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), aims to understand students’ views on free speech and gather demographic data including gender. Kaufmann utilized six years of demographic data from this survey for his analysis.
Reasons for the Decline
Kaufmann speculates that improved mental health among students may have contributed to this decline. He pointed out that students who are less anxious and depressed are less likely to identify as trans or non-binary. The decline could also suggest a fading trend, similar to a passing fashion, and Kaufmann speculates that this shift happened largely independent of changes in political beliefs or social media influences.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst, acknowledged that while the study sheds light on an interesting phenomenon, it raises more questions than answers. He noted that there could be various cultural factors at play, such as reduced societal pressure or a natural resolution of gender dysphoria for some individuals.
Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist, provided further insight, suggesting that this decline may signal a “natural correction.” He mentioned that previously, society taught young people to label every feeling, which sometimes led to identifying as nonbinary. However, many may be growing weary of this constant need to define themselves.
Alpert argues that the results should not be interpreted to mean fewer people are identifying as transgender—it mainly reflects a drop in nonbinary identification. He believes that as individuals become more comfortable with their identities, they may realize that they don’t need to label every aspect of themselves to be valid.
As discussions around gender and identity continue, the insights from these studies will likely prompt further exploration into the evolving landscape of gender identification among younger populations.
In closing, this shift in identification could reflect a growing sense of self-awareness among young people, moving beyond the need for rigid labels and embracing their individuality.
