A newly released YouGov poll has revealed that a majority of Americans believe the Republican Party has a problem with transphobia and is too focused on what many see as transphobic ideologies.
The survey, conducted earlier this week with 1,107 U.S. adults, found that 64 per cent of respondents think transphobia is a problem within the GOP, with 44 per cent saying it is a major problem.
Transphobia ranked as the second most prominent issue that Americans felt Republicans had taken too far — following closely behind anti-immigrant sentiment, which 68 per cent of respondents said was a problem. Other high-ranking concerns included belief in conspiracy theories (71 per cent) and white supremacy (62 per cent).
Interestingly, the poll also showed a contradictory perspective from some participants, with 60 per cent saying that “trans ideology” is a problem within the Republican Party, and 61 per cent expressing concern over “gender ideology.” The survey did not clearly define what was meant by these terms, leaving some ambiguity in interpretation.
Republican lawmakers have led a surge in anti-trans legislation over recent years. According to Trans Legislation Tracker, 125 anti-trans bills were passed in 2025 alone, with 382 defeated and over 500 still active across state legislatures.
Since 2023, the ACLU has tracked a staggering 1,659 bills introduced that specifically target LGBTQ+ rights, particularly trans rights, with 211 of those becoming law.
These include bans on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors, despite widespread medical consensus that such care is “life-saving.” As of now, these bans affect nearly 40 per cent of trans youth across 27 U.S. states.
Although the Republican Party has largely driven this legislative wave, the poll also revealed concerns about the Democratic Party’s stance on trans issues. 45 per cent of respondents believe transphobia is also a problem within the Democratic ranks, while 55 per cent disagreed.
When asked about cultural issues, 37 per cent said “wokeness” is a major issue within the Democratic Party, and 34 per cent believe “trans ideology” is also a significant concern.
As debates over gender identity and trans rights continue to dominate U.S. political discourse, the polling highlights both growing public concern over transphobia and deep divisions in how different groups interpret and react to those concerns.
