Essayist and political commentator Wesley Yang recently directed a tweet at World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, asserting that the "transgender social contagion was a global test of moral and intellectual integrity that virtually the entirety of the world's governing classes failed." The tweet, posted by Yang, suggests that only "a handful have learned and are doing better" in addressing the issue.
Yang is known for his provocative essays and commentary on identity politics and cultural issues, often challenging mainstream narratives. He is a columnist for Tablet magazine and has gained recognition for coining the term "successor ideology." His public statements frequently engage with controversial social topics.
The term "transgender social contagion" refers to a hypothesis suggesting that transgender identity, particularly among adolescents, spreads through social influence or peer pressure, often via social media. However, this concept is largely refuted by scientific consensus. Numerous studies, including research published in the journal Pediatrics, have found evidence against the notion, concluding that it does not hold up to scrutiny and should not be used to argue against gender-affirming medical care. Critics often label the term as "junk science" used to pathologize transgender identities.
Sebastian Coe, as President of World Athletics, has been at the forefront of establishing policies for transgender athletes in elite sports. In March 2023, World Athletics banned transgender women who had gone through male puberty from participating in female world rankings competitions, a decision Coe consistently defended as necessary to "maintain fairness for female athletes above all other considerations" and to "protect the female category." More recently, in March 2025, World Athletics announced mandatory cheek swab or dried blood spot testing for female athletes to verify biological sex, further solidifying their stance on eligibility.
The tweet highlights the ongoing, polarized global debate surrounding transgender inclusion in various societal spheres, particularly sports. While organizations like World Athletics prioritize what they term "fairness" and "integrity of female sport," human rights advocates often emphasize principles of inclusion and non-discrimination. The exchange between Yang and Coe underscores the deep divisions and differing approaches among public figures and governing bodies on these complex issues.