Transdebatten och de ideologiska argumenten : En analys av argumenten och ideologierna bakom lagstiftningsdebatten på amerikansk delstatsnivå

Sammanfattning: There’s a growing number of trans-related bills in the US and states are divided amongst themselves with some taking a strong pro-trans stance and others a strong anti-trans stance. This study analyses the arguments of six different political debates on the US state-level. These debates all concern either pro-trans or anti-trans bills. The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of the trans-debate and its ideological underpinnings. Our study shows that how one views the trans identity is fundamental to the trans debate. The study also shows a clear ideological divide in the arguments used by both sides with many republican arguments aligning with conservatism and conversely many democratic arguments aligning with liberalism. The republican arguments revolve around the themes of parental right, the value of the family and the need to protect children from the dangers of gender affirming care. The democrat's argumentation has its basis in their view of trans people as a persecuted minority with many arguments revolving around the suffering this community endures. They argue that the anti-trans bills are dangerous for trans people as many trans people already suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. Some democrats go as far as accusing the republicans of having near genocidal intensions for the trans community. The democrats instead argue that trans people should be free to express themself and that they deserve to feel safe, respected and affirmed. Contrary to the republicans the democrats see gender affirming care as a lifesaving solution to trans peoples suffering.