Transgender Identification Falls Sharply Among Young Americans

The percentage of young Americans identifying as transgender has experienced a significant decline, according to new research by political science professor Eric Kaufmann from the University of Buckingham. The study indicates that the share of university students aged 18-24 identifying as transgender has halved since its peak in 2023, where nearly 7% of students identified this way, dropping to below 4% in 2025.

This dramatic shift follows over a decade of increasing acceptance and identification among younger people. Kaufmann analyzed data from major surveys conducted among high school and university students, revealing that the trend is part of a broader change in sexual identity. The percentage of students identifying as non-heterosexual has decreased by approximately ten percentage points during the same timeframe, with a notable reduction in those describing themselves as queer or pansexual.

Shifts in Identity and Mental Health

The report highlights a growing proportion of heterosexual students, which rose to 77% in 2025, up from a low of 68% two years prior. Kaufmann pointed out that younger students are less likely to identify as transgender or queer compared to older students, suggesting a potential shift in cultural trends.

Kaufmann attributes the decline in bisexual, transgender, and queer (BTQ+) identities to various factors, noting that it does not correlate with reduced social media usage, a resurgence of religious values, or a shift towards conservative political ideologies. Instead, he speculated that improved mental health among students following the Covid-19 pandemic could play a role in this transformation.

In his report, Kaufmann described this trend as a “momentous and unanticipated post-progressive cultural shift” among young Americans, indicating a departure from the rapid expansion of gender and sexual diversity observed in recent years.

The findings have sparked discussions regarding the evolving landscape of gender identity among youth and the factors influencing these changes. As society continues to navigate these complex issues, the study underscores the importance of understanding the dynamics at play in shaping the identities of the next generation.