The Truth About The Massive New Study That Has Captivated Anti-LGBT Groups

Anti-LGBT conservative outlets have been abuzz this week about a new report that seems suspiciously designed to make it look like those who oppose LGBT equality have science on their side.

They don’t.

The “Sexuality and Gender” special report, published by The New Atlantis, claims to undermine the belief that LGBT people are “born that way.” It purports to be a thorough analysis of the research on LGBT identities that just so happens to lend legitimacy to many of the arguments against affirming LGBT people and protecting them under the law.

But the report has no new information, no new arguments, and — despite its 143 pages of analysis — is still more notable for what it doesn’t say.

The report’s conclusions include the following:

• Sexual orientation is not biologically fixed.

• Non-heterosexual people seem more likely to have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

• Gender identity is not biologically fixed.

• Both non-heterosexuals and transgender people experience a higher risk of negative mental health outcomes — and stigma and stress don’t seem to fully explain it.

• Nothing supports affirming children as transgender.