Study Links “Radical Gender Ideology” to Left-Wing Authoritarian Beliefs
A recent study from the Department of Health and Human Services suggests that individuals who advocate for what is described as “radical gender ideology” tend to hold left-wing authoritarian views and are more likely to see political violence as justified.
The HHS-commissioned research indicates that those with left-wing authoritarian beliefs were more likely to endorse political violence compared to those who did not share these beliefs. HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine remarked that this study brings to light significant concerns regarding the overlap of ideology and medicine. He emphasized the need for thorough scientific investigation into the connections between these clinical beliefs, authoritarian attitudes, and the rationalization of political violence. The HHS aims to conduct in-depth research that will provide the American public with the information they need.
The study involved a preregistered survey of 1,208 adults in the U.S. It found a notable correlation between a strong support for “gender-affirming” clinical views and elevated levels of left-wing authoritarianism, even after adjustments for political identity and age. Additionally, it showed that both of these factors were associated with increased acceptance of political violence in several scenarios, as reported in the news release.
Yet, it’s important to note that the study doesn’t clarify whether adherence to radical gender ideologies leads to authoritarian attitudes or if the reverse is true, nor does it explore the possibility of an external factor affecting both. The release also pointed out that further experimental research is necessary to establish any causal relationships.
The research, conducted by teams from Rutgers University, the Manhattan Institute, and the Network Contagion Research Institute, did not assess whether respondents had engaged or intended to engage in political violence; instead, it focused on how justified they felt regarding six hypothetical scenarios of political violence. Therefore, the findings are based on perceptions of justification for violence rather than actual violent acts.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), an LGBTQ activist organization, criticized the HHS-funded study, calling it a “junk report” that aims to portray transgender Americans as a threat. HRC President Kelley Robinson emphasized the need for clarity, stating that while political violence is never acceptable, targeting entire groups for political leverage is equally unacceptable. She reminded that transgender individuals are fellow Americans who deserve dignity and respect.
The discussion around gender ideology has gained traction in the U.S. since the Biden administration, with reports noting that an Ohio child welfare agency maintained a “confidential spreadsheet” regarding the sexual orientation and transgender status of children as young as five. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been actively seeking to curtail the influence of gender ideology, highlighted by a January 2025 order from President Trump aiming to uphold women’s rights and the biological definitions of gender within the federal framework.
