LGBT grooming conspiracy theory
Conspiracy theory falsely accusing LGBT people of child grooming / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The notion that LGBT people, or those supportive of LGBT rights, are engaging in child grooming and enabling child sexual abuse is a far-right conspiracy theory and anti-LGBT trope. Although the belief that LGBT individuals are more likely to molest children has no basis in fact, this stereotype has existed for decades in the U.S. and Europe, going back to before World War II.[1]
The specific use of the term groomer as a slur[2][3] to refer to LGBT people (particularly trans people[4] and drag queens)[5] became more prominent during partisan political campaigning in the 2020s,[6][7] where it was often used to justify anti-LGBT curriculum bills.[6][7] Despite originating with the far-right, the conspiracy theory regarding the supposed sexual grooming of children has been pushed by a growing number of mainstream conservatives,[8] especially in the United States.[9] The conspiracy theory has since spread among conservatives in other countries, including Australia,[10][11][12][13] Canada,[14] France,[15][16] Ireland,[17] New Zealand[18] and the United Kingdom.[19]
Experts[who?] characterize these accusations and conspiracy theories as baseless, relying on homophobic, biphobic and transphobic tropes. They seek to label them a moral panic.[8] Advocates for children's rights have protested that the conspiracy theories make it difficult for survivors of abuse[clarify] to access resources and help.[20] LGBT rights organizations have condemned the use of such notions as encouraging discrimination in the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Hungary, Uganda, and elsewhere.[21]