(In)congruent synergies? Discursive boundary-spanning between the Italian anti-gender galaxy and anti-trans groups

This article investigates increasing alignment between the anti-gender galaxy and anti-trans groups by looking at the symbolic synergies that these two collective endeavors create in and through social media discourse. Building on social movement theory, we examine processes of discursive boundary spanning through which ecclesial and right-wing actors, dedicated anti-gender organizations, and anti-trans groups converge when discussing gender-related issues at large on social media, aligning around similar agendas, objects of interest, priorities, and frames, while setting aside differences that might hinder their collaboration. Empirically, the study relies on a mixed-method analysis of Facebook and Instagram posts published between 2021 and 2023 by twenty-two prominent actors mobilizing around anti-gender and anti-trans claims in Italy. Combining topic modeling with a computational adaptation of frame semantic grammar and qualitative frame analysis, we examine patterns of discursive convergence across the four sectors as well as the ideological differences that are bracketed to sustain it. Our findings reveal the existence of a transversal and yet fragile cross-sectoral discursive convergence. While all four sectors align around a limited set of shared interests and priorities, stronger discursive commonalities are found between anti-trans actors, dedicated anti-gender organizations and right-wing actors. Moreover, although common diagnostic frames emphasize the protection of women and children from gender ideology, divergent prognostic frames and long-term horizons persist within and across sectors.