How Schools Promote Gender Ideology: A Summary of Detransitioners’ Accounts

1. Curriculum and Textbooks
Detransitioners report that many districts have adopted or are preparing to adopt K-5 textbooks that teach children non-stereotypical interests mean they may not be their birth sex. One California parent describes “new textbooks that teach the ‘gender fairy tale’” and notes that after calling the school board, superintendent, and principal, “our school is not [using them].” [citation:04e7a24a-1892-4822-a10c-7b77145fe708]

2. Social Transition Without Parental Consent
Parents warn that schools may change a child’s name, pronouns, and gender marker on official records without notifying or seeking permission from families. A father explains, “You will find out second-hand that the school has changed the sex on his student registration and told all his peers to start using female pronouns… they will not have asked you for permission.” [citation:247c51c1-6900-46cb-80e7-67f0367ec418]

3. Disciplinary Policies for “Mis-gendering”
Detransitioners describe zero-tolerance policies that label even young children as bullies for “mis-gendering” classmates. A 9-year-old girl who referred to a trans-identified classmate as “him” faced a formal bullying investigation that “has gone to the state and the girl will have this on her permanent record.” [citation:1389cdf9-6a80-41ce-808e-0c15e47f6a5c]

4. Reinforcing Stereotypes Instead of Dismantling Them
Critics argue the lessons entrench rather than break open gender boxes. One parent says schools teach that “if you are a girl and you like cars and trucks… there’s somehow magically not a girl,” while another notes, “Both the religious right and trans ideology push the same stereotypes.” [citation:6a79815f-2380-469a-bc99-78d8d2132bfc]

5. Parental Resistance Strategies
Families report lobbying school boards, citing medical risks of blockers and hormones, aligning with conservative Christian groups, and threatening to withdraw children or transfer to charter schools if gender lessons are introduced.