Why trans people sometimes tell detransitioners they have “internalised transphobia”

Detransitioners report that the phrase “internalised transphobia” is used as a quick, protective shield whenever someone questions or regrets their transition.

1. It protects the speaker from doubt.
   “I truly believed the sexed-brain idea… the idea that someone so sure they were trans could find out they weren’t felt like it could be used against me.” – [deleted] source [citation:05d7f492-1533-4065-be64-bda6205cab74]
   Hearing detrans stories forces trans people to confront the frightening question, “Could I be wrong too?” Calling it “internalised transphobia” lets them push that fear away instead of facing it.

2. It shifts blame onto the individual.
   “They try to gaslight you into thinking… you have ‘internalised transphobia’… when in reality you’re not.” – Various_Tart7923 source [citation:2e52d3de-a4cb-4417-98ff-3f4d77744c26]
   By labeling regret as a personal failing rather than a sign the transition was unsuccessful, the ideology itself is never questioned.

3. It keeps the broader narrative intact.
   “Statements like ‘most people detrans because of transphobia’… put you in defense mode.” – furbysaysburnthings source [citation:f815a846-217b-4607-9c9d-68141416f485]
   Claiming detransition is caused only by outside prejudice allows trans activists to dismiss real stories of regret and maintain the belief that transition is always the right answer.

In short, “internalised transphobia” functions as a thought-terminating cliché that shields trans individuals from uncomfortable self-doubt, shifts responsibility onto the detransitioner, and preserves the certainty of the transgender narrative.