Elon Musk has once again become the center of global controversy after launching a livestreamed petition on the platform X, calling for transgender identity to be classified as a mental illness. According to the statement released alongside the initiative, Musk argued that the move was intended to “restore scientific integrity,” claiming that ideology has overtaken biology, and insisting that the petition was “about science, not hate.”
The petition urges international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to reconsider existing definitions and reclassify transgender identity as a psychological disorder requiring intervention. Shortly after going public, the initiative spread rapidly across social media, drawing massive engagement and reigniting intense debates around gender, science, and politics.
Public reaction has been sharply divided. Supporters praised Musk for what they described as a stand against “woke culture,” arguing that scientific standards have been compromised by social and political pressure. Many users on X applauded Musk for challenging viewpoints they believe have become untouchable dogma within academic and medical institutions.
On the opposite side, medical professionals strongly rejected the petition’s premise. Psychiatrists, researchers, and major health associations emphasized that the global medical community removed transgender identity from classifications of mental illness years ago, based on extensive long-term research. They warned that redefining gender identity through popular petitions risks distorting scientific consensus, spreading misinformation, and causing harm—particularly to already vulnerable communities.
Human rights organizations also condemned the initiative, describing it as a dangerous political tactic that could legitimize discrimination and stigmatization. According to these groups, labeling gender identity as a mental disorder not only contradicts modern medical understanding but could also be weaponized in broader cultural and ideological conflicts that are increasingly polarizing societies worldwide.
Musk, however, has shown no sign of retreat. He has argued that the fierce backlash itself proves his claim that entrenched elites dominate scientific and social discourse. This response has further fueled the controversy, drawing in politicians, academics, and international media, and transforming the petition into a broader symbol of today’s cultural divide.
Despite widespread criticism, the cultural and social impact of the petition continues to resonate, raising fundamental questions about the boundaries between free speech, scientific authority, and the social responsibility of influential public figures in an era where online platforms can instantly amplify polarizing ideas.
