Controversial Tweet by J.D. Haltigan PhD Alleges Transgender Identity Rooted in Cluster B Psychopathology

A recent social media post by J.D. Haltigan, PhD, an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, has sparked significant discussion by claiming that "the core of transgender mental illness is cluster B psychopathology." The statement, made on November 18, 2025, links transgender identity to a group of personality disorders characterized by dramatic and unpredictable behaviors, drawing scrutiny from medical and psychological communities. Dr. Haltigan's tweet directly attributes "lies, threats, and bullying" as the "behavioral phenotype" of this alleged condition, further suggesting that "in severe cases, you end up with violent antisociality."

The controversial tweet explicitly stated: > "The core of transgender mental illness is cluster B psychopathology. Lies, threats, and bullying are the the behavioral phenotype. In severe cases, you end up with violent antisociality. Here we see the seeds to this." This assertion was shared from his personal account, where he identifies his professional affiliation.

Dr. Haltigan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto, with research interests focusing on personality, psychopathology, individual differences, and developmental psychopathology. While his academic background is in relevant fields, the views expressed in his tweet are presented as his own and have not been formally endorsed by his institution.

Leading medical and psychological organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), do not classify being transgender as a mental illness. The APA clarifies that gender dysphoria, defined as the psychological distress arising from an incongruence between one's sex assigned at birth and gender identity, is a diagnosable condition, but gender nonconformity itself is not. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) emphasizes that transgender individuals often face unique mental health challenges due to societal discrimination, stigma, and a lack of social support.

Cluster B personality disorders, which include antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders, are characterized by dramatic, overly emotional, or unpredictable thinking and behavior. There is no established scientific or medical consensus that links transgender identity to these specific psychopathologies. The WPATH Standards of Care advocate for individualized, multidisciplinary approaches to support transgender and gender diverse individuals, focusing on affirming care rather than pathologizing identity.