A peculiar trend has emerged among certain online communities, where a faction of conspiracy theorists is scrutinizing the gender identities of public figures, claiming that many are “secretly” transgender. This phenomenon, dubbed “transvestigation,” has gained traction over the years, with high-profile individuals like Michelle Obama being subjected to unfounded allegations of being male.
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer who clinched a gold medal in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, faced a barrage of false accusations regarding her gender identity. The campaign against her was notably amplified by prominent figures known for their transphobic rhetoric.
These conspiracy theories blend transphobia, misogyny, and sensationalist gossip, creating a toxic environment for women in the public eye. The term “Transvestigations” has been coined to describe this disturbing trend, which often relies on discredited pseudoscientific methods to assert claims about women’s bodies.
Recently, Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, and actress Sydney Sweeney have found themselves at the center of these bizarre investigations. Kirk’s name resurfaced in discussions after right-wing influencer Candace Owens launched a video series titled “Bride of Charlie,” which included alleged yearbook photos of Kirk from her childhood.
Owens showcased images where Kirk sported short hair, igniting speculation among her followers. While Owens refrained from directly labeling Kirk as transgender, the insinuations were clear, prompting a flurry of online commentary. One user on social media claimed to have found evidence of Kirk dressed as a boy in her early school years.
Another commentator pointed out what he described as Kirk’s “male hips” and “male arms,” further fueling the narrative that she was born male. This shift in discourse highlights how even those aligned with conservative values can become targets of transvestigation.
Sweeney’s situation is equally perplexing. Once celebrated as a MAGA icon after appearing in an American Eagle advertisement, she now faces scrutiny regarding her gender identity. A viral tweet questioning the width of her neck garnered over 5.6 million views, illustrating the absurdity of the claims being made.
The targeting of both women underscores a broader trend of apolitical transphobia that has permeated online spaces. As Lexi Webster, an academic specializing in gender studies, noted, this phenomenon suggests that no woman is immune from such conspiratorial attacks, regardless of her political stance.
Webster elaborated on the implications of these investigations, stating that they reflect a pervasive fear within certain circles that “nobody is safe from the trans community.” This sentiment feeds into a narrative that positions trans individuals as threats to societal norms.
Jay Daniel Thompson, a researcher on conspiracy theories, emphasized that transvestigations are rooted in harmful stereotypes about trans women. He pointed out that these conspiracies not only target women but also serve to undermine their credibility and authority.
The use of phrenology—a discredited pseudoscience—by these armchair investigators reveals a troubling pattern of targeting marginalized groups. Historically, this has included high-profile Black women like Michelle Obama and women of color such as Khelif.
The rise of conspiratorial thinking over the past decade has made it easier for individuals to engage in these investigations. Social media platforms have transformed users into self-proclaimed detectives, often blurring the lines between genuine inquiry and malicious trolling.
While some may engage in transvestigation for amusement or provocation, others genuinely believe in the narratives they propagate. Samantha Lux, a trans activist, pointed out that those who view being transgender positively are less likely to engage in such behavior.
Lux further explained that these theories perpetuate harmful stereotypes about trans identities, framing them as deceptive. This narrative suggests that trans individuals are merely hiding their true selves, which can have devastating effects on real trans women.
The Facebook group “Transvestigation Disclosure NOW 2.0” has been identified as a source for many of these unfounded claims about Kirk and Sweeney since at least 2024. The group’s members have scrutinized various physical attributes to support their assertions.
Interestingly, Sweeney’s recent weight gain and physical transformation for a film role may have contributed to the resurgence of these claims. Some fans reacted negatively to her changes, leading to derogatory comments about her gender identity.
Claims regarding Kirk’s gender identity began circulating shortly after her husband’s tragic death last September. Conspiracists seized upon old footage where she described herself as a tomboy during childhood as supposed evidence of her being born male.
Owens’ decision to share childhood photos of Kirk was likely calculated to provoke her audience, given her history with similar conspiracies. In July, Owens faced legal action from French President Emmanuel Macron over false claims regarding his wife’s gender identity.
Thompson noted the alarming popularity of Owens’ YouTube series “Becoming Brigitte,” which perpetuates similar rumors about public figures. The pursuit of clicks and revenue often outweighs factual accuracy in these discussions.
Ultimately, transvestigations serve as tools to undermine women who challenge traditional gender roles or threaten established power dynamics. As Lux articulated, the far right’s expectations for women often conflict with those who achieve success or leadership roles.
This ongoing trend raises significant concerns about the implications for women in public life and the broader societal attitudes toward gender identity and expression.
