‘Leave them kids alone’: Swedish anti-transgender discourse and arguments for protecting children

By analysing videos from YouTube channels run by Swedish far-right and adjacent actors, this study contributes to research on anti-transgender discourse. It shows how arguments and narratives that may seem irrational in isolation may appear logical when viewed together. This provides an understanding of how coherence is discursively constructed in contemporary anti-transgender discourse. Using argument analysis and critical discourse analysis, the paper identifies key claims and assumptions – particularly the belief in a strict, binary view of sex. This functions as both a core argument and a taken-for-granted truth, making the discourse powerful and allowing further claims to appear fact-based and morally justified. The discourse also creates a sense of urgency by emphasising the vulnerability of children and portraying transgender people and organisations as malicious. These narratives are reinforced by scientific references – establishing moral legitimacy – and by linking transgender people to conspiracy theories involving paedophilia. The discourse finds fertile ground in Sweden, known for LGBTQ+ progressiveness, as this image is used to suggest that rights have 'gone too far'. Despite tonal variation, the arguments remain coherent across far-right, conspiracy-oriented, and mainstream channels. Reaching beyond far-right circles, some channels may shape public debate and reduce tolerance of transgender people and LGBTQ+ rights.