Rage-Bait: Mapping Online Far-Right Anti-Trans Rhetoric in the United States

While anti-trans sentiment has long been a feature of the right-wing, the past decade has witnessed a shift in discourse, with more vocal and organized opposition emerging from online far-right platforms. Drawing on a topic modeling analysis of posts from the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), this study identifies key themes and posting patterns that have shaped the contemporary anti-trans movement, and examines how these ideas are evolving within far-right online spaces. X, with its unique role in U.S. political discourse, provides a valuable lens through which to understand the broader implications of anti-trans rhetoric and its connection to political radicalization. This analysis highlights the intersection of far-right gender discourse with other forms of bigotry and reveals the tangible impact such rhetoric has on marginalized communities, particularly transgender individuals. As anti-trans discourse continues to influence political movements, it is crucial to recognize its role in fostering discrimination, violence, and restrictive policies, with far-reaching consequences for both individual rights and societal inclusion.