Northwestern University psychology professor J. Michael Bailey claimed Tuesday activists are attempting to cancel his research on gender dysphoria.
Bailey alleged officers of the International Academy of Sex Research are attempting to take down his paper on Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD) in an article published by British publication UnHerd. ROGD is a theory attributing the increase of transgender-identifying children to a social contagion, rather than increased social acceptance. Bailey says his research has caused backlash from activists.
The professor published the paper on March 29 in Archives of Sexual Behavior, which identified 1,655 cases of possible ROGD. The research paper says the minors had a high rate of mental health problems prior to their gender dysphoria diagnosis.
Those with more emotional issues were more likely to undergo transgender medical procedures or socially transition. Gender specialists were the greatest predictor of transitioning, and parents who used them reportedly felt pressure to allow it. The parents claim their children’s overall state diminished after undergoing gender transitioning. (RELATED: Americans Overwhelmingly Reject Transgender Ideology: POLL)
The professor said on April 19 the Listserv of the International Academy of Sex Research (IASR), an organization associated with Archives of Sexual Behavior, published a statement citing “significant concerns” with the content of his work. The psychology professor says he’s reviewed hundreds of articles for IASR, none of which have elicited this sort of response from the organization. Bailey also claims the only response he received from IASR is a criticism of “inflammatory language” and discouragement ROGD is the motivator behind IASR’s statement.
My research into Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria is thoroughly evidenced — so why is my publisher trying to cancel it? | J. Michael Bailey https://t.co/a9FvxjBXBM
— UnHerd (@unherd) May 16, 2023
Bailey claimed the organization’s alleged concerns about his work— he did not receive an examination by the Institutional Review Board (IRB)— were a “ruse.” Instead, Bailey alleges IASR has become infiltrated by ideological activists and the organization has become consumed with identity politics. Sex and gender researchers cannot question the claims of “marginalized groups” without facing backlash, according to Bailey.
Bailey alleges Kenneth Zucker, the editor of Archives of Sexual Behavior, published at least 10 pieces responding negatively to his research. Zucker has been put in a difficult position by IASR Executive Committee and other complainers over the decision to publish Bailey’s work, the professor claims.
The Northwestern professor believes the IASR will simply become more of an activist organization, which will cause some people to leave. Bailey says he will form a new organization of sex researchers which value ideological neutrality, knowledge, and truth.
Bailey has been at the center of controversy over his research on transgender people for many years. In 2007, The New York Times wrote about the backlash Bailey has received over his work examining gender dysphoria. Pro-transgender website Transgender Map published a list of Bailey’s alleged “ethical scandals” including eugenics and pedophile apologism.