Minimization, denial, moralization, and exaggeration: A taxonomy of backlash to transgender recognition and rights

Abstract

Transgender people's efforts for recognition, rights, and equality face backlash, particularly as they gain societal visibility. However, backlash must appear justified (rather than merely prejudiced) to be legitimate and persuasive. I present a taxonomy of 17 backlash strategies people use against transgender groups, organized into four major themes: minimization, denial, moralization, and exaggeration. These strategies range from covert to overt and from seemingly benign to hostile. A model is proposed linking backlash strategies to behavioral tendencies via emotional responses. When targets are perceived as low in power and nonthreatening, people are more likely to favor minimization and denial; As targets are perceived as more threatening, people are more likely to favor moralization and exaggeration. Minimization and denial produce amusement and contempt or reduce or circumvent negative self-focused emotions (guilt or pity). This leads to the weakening of compassion and the suppression of prosocial behaviors. Moralization and exaggeration produce disgust, fear, and anger which can lead to avoidance, punishment, and aggression. By labeling and organizing the many ways that people push back against transgender groups, people may be better able to recognize and respond to backlash. I end by proposing several counter-backlash strategies suggested by the taxonomic structure.