What Is 'Transvestigation'? A Dehumanizing Practice Popular In Sports

In early 2017, a bizarre and hate-driven conspiracy theory known as "transvestigation" emerged, predominantly on YouTube. This theory falsely claims that various celebrities, ranging from Madonna to Mike Tyson and Melania Trump, are transgender. These "transvestigators" present pseudo-scientific "evidence" to support their assertions, perpetuating harmful transphobic rhetoric.

What is Transvestigation?

Transvestigation is a term coined from "transgender" and "investigation," describing the baseless inquiry into celebrities' gender identities. Adherents to this theory scrutinise photographic and video evidence, using flawed methodologies plagued by pareidolia (seeing patterns where none exist) and confirmation bias. They target high-profile individuals, falsely asserting that their public personas conceal their true gender identities.

An example of this harmful practice can be seen in the now-private YouTube video, "TRANSVESTIGATION of MADONNA — Undeniable PROOF!!! ‘SHE’ is a MAN!" This 27-minute video claimed that Madonna's body type indicated she was assigned male at birth. It offered a faux-scientific analysis of her anatomy, serving as a vehicle for dehumanising anti-trans tropes and rhetoric.

The Spread of Transphobic Content Across Social Media

The transvestigation conspiracy theory is not confined to YouTube. It has spread across various social media platforms, from Facebook groups to tweets. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston have been subjected to these baseless claims, and numerous YouTube compilations perpetuate the narrative.

Impact on Cisgender Celebrities and Athletes

Ironically, the primary targets of transvestigation are cisgender celebrities. For instance, U.S. Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky has faced transphobic attacks on social media. Comments under an ESPN Facebook post celebrating her achievements questioned her gender, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining her accomplishments.

The Racial and Gendered Bias in Transvestigation

Transvestigation is deeply rooted in racial and gender biases. Trans women of East Asian and Southeast Asian descent are often believed to have the most feminine appearances, leading to the baseless belief that they have the best potential to 'pass' as women. This bias extends to cisgender women, who are frequently subjected to transphobic scrutiny based on their physical attributes.

Prominent Figures and Transphobic Allegations

High-profile individuals such as Michelle Obama have also been targets of conspiracy theories. Comedian Joan Rivers once joked that Michelle Obama was a trans woman, a comment that was seized upon by conspiracy theorists. Infowars host Alex Jones amplified these baseless claims, contributing to the narrative that the world's elite are secretly transgender.

Athletes Attacked in Transvestigation Conspiracy Theories

Several athletes have been mentioned in transvestigation conspiracy theories. US Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, known for her remarkable achievements, has faced transphobic scrutiny questioning her gender. Tennis player Serena Williams has been subjected to frequent comparisons to men and animals, facing slurs from officials and media.

South African runner Caster Semenya has been attacked due to her naturally high testosterone levels, while Namibian sprinter Christina Mboma has been targeted for similar reasons. US Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher has also faced transphobic comments, and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif was attacked online by "transvestigators" after a successful match.

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Transvestigation is a harmful conspiracy theory that perpetuates transphobia and dehumanises individuals based on their physical appearance. It highlights the broader issue of anti-LGBTQ online hate and disinformation. It is essential to challenge and dismantle these harmful narratives to create a more inclusive and respectful society.