Detransitioner questions CDC teen sexuality data, cites social media influence

Walt Heyer, a senior fellow at the Family Research Council, has cast doubt on reports of a sharp decline in teenagers identifying as gay or bisexual, arguing that social media and peer pressure may be distorting how young Americans describe their sexual orientation. Heyer, who detransitioned approximately 40 years ago, told Fox News Digital in an exclusive video interview that he remains skeptical of the apparent shift in identity data. He suggested that some teenagers may be reluctant to openly identify as gay or bisexual due to social pressures, stating that he does not believe there has been a dramatic free fall in these rates. Heyer posits that social media influences individuals who may not wish to fit into specific classifications, leading them to withhold their true identity from public view or survey responses. The comments follow a report by The Washington Post highlighting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing significant changes in self-identification among ninth-grade students. According to the Post, the percentage of ninth-grade girls identifying as lesbian or bisexual fell from 30% in 2021 to 17% in 2025. The share of those identifying as bisexual alone dropped from 26% to 13% over the same period. The Post also noted that the percentage of boys identifying as gay or bisexual has remained largely unchanged over the past decade. Heyer, an author of books including "Trans Life Survivors" and "Paper Genders," argued that social dynamics among young people complicate the interpretation of these findings. He cited instances where students reported being bullied into identifying in certain ways or pressured not to identify in others. Heyer believes peer and societal pressures are significant factors influencing how children choose their identities. He expressed skepticism about the reliability of what children report regarding their sexual orientation, suggesting that coercion by peers plays a role in their statements. Heyer also shared his personal perspective on gender transition, stating that he believes there is factual evidence that no one has ever biologically changed their gender. He described his own experience with hormones and surgeries as a cosmetic social appearance rather than a biological change. Heyer urged researchers to conduct additional studies before concluding that the recent numbers reflect a lasting shift in sexual identity. He emphasized the need for thoroughness and broader data collection before accepting the premise of a massive drop in these identities.