If you’re going to bring up AGP (autogynephilia), let’s unpack why it’s nonsense. First, the theory has been entirely discredited by the mental health community and is no longer recognized in the DSM. It was initially proposed by Ray Blanchard, who framed it as a way to categorize trans women into rigid, harmful stereotypes. The problem is that it’s not based on sound science but on outdated, anecdotal observations that fail to account for the complexity of gender identity and human sexuality.

Studies claiming to support AGP rely heavily on flawed methodologies, like biased participant selection and leading questions. For example, early research often ignored trans women who didn’t fit the theory, dismissing them as “exceptions” rather than acknowledging the diversity of trans experiences. Modern studies overwhelmingly reject AGP as a valid framework, showing that sexual orientation, gender identity, and the ways people relate to their own bodies are far more nuanced than this outdated binary.

On top of that, AGP has been weaponized by transphobic communities like 4Chan to undermine the legitimacy of trans women who are gay, pansexual, or otherwise don’t fit a narrow, heteronormative mold. It’s a favorite argument of truscum, who gatekeep trans identities by demanding conformity to outdated, cis-centric definitions of gender. The NHS and other medical institutions also used this theory in the past to force trans women to jump through humiliating hoops during the diagnostic process, particularly pushing the idea that only “straight” trans women (attracted to men) were valid.

In short, AGP isn’t just scientifically baseless. It’s a relic of an era when trans identities were pathologized and misunderstood. Its continued use today only serves to stigmatize and divide the trans community. If you’re clinging to it as an argument, maybe it’s time to catch up with actual science and leave the 4Chan-level talking points behind.