Misinformation and disinformation campaigns targeting transgender individuals have become increasingly organized and sophisticated in recent years. This is particularly problematic because trans people make up only about 1% of the global population, meaning that most people lack firsthand experience to counter false narratives. Additionally, the complexities of gender and identity can lead to misunderstandings, making it easier for disinformation to spread unchallenged. Emotions run high on these topics, which further exacerbates the issue by making people more susceptible to manipulation. Disinformation campaigns against transgender individuals began to gain momentum in the mid-2010s, partly as a reaction to the advance of marriage equality. These campaigns are often backed by right-wing organizations and individuals with the goal of aligning society with their ideals of white, conservative Christianity. One of the primary tactics is to create doubt around established expert consensus, which can paralyze decision-making and drive people to fall back on traditional beliefs. For instance, experts consistently agree that the most effective treatment for gender dysphoria involves social acceptance, affirmation, and, when appropriate, medical interventions such as hormone therapy and surgery. Anti-trans entities, however, often conduct and promote scientifically invalid research and misinterpret legitimate studies to build narratives that question these recommendations. High-profile individuals like Elon Musk and JK Rowling have played significant roles in accelerating these disinformation efforts. They not only amplify misleading content directly but also "launder" dubious claims into the mainstream by dint of their influence. Media outlets often report on these discussions, further embedding the disinformation. Beyond celebrities, a network of bloggers, second-rate academics, and front organizations works to shape public discourse around their agenda, often using emotionally charged topics like transgender participation in sports to control the narrative. The focus on issues like trans women in sports, despite affecting only a minuscule portion of the population, serves to divert attention from more critical matters such as bodily autonomy and self-determination. Research indicates that after a few years on hormones, trans individuals perform in line with their identified gender, but this fact is rarely highlighted. Instead, the constant discussion of these less significant issues exploits a cognitive bias known as availability, where people base their decisions on the most easily recalled information rather than the most important. The illusory truth effect, another cognitive bias, plays a crucial role in disinformation campaigns. This effect causes people to believe information more readily the more they encounter it, regardless of its veracity. Disinformation campaigns leverage this by repeatedly spreading falsehoods and using platforms that amplify their reach through algorithms and bots. Even smart and rational individuals are not immune to this effect, which can be challenging to combat because it operates on an unconscious level. Given the ubiquity and potency of disinformation, complete eradication through education alone is unlikely. However, raising awareness about the mechanisms of disinformation can help people make better-informed decisions. When consuming information, it is useful to critically evaluate the source and consider the broader context. Asking questions such as whether the information is backed by reputable sources, whether there is a clear motive behind its dissemination, and whether it fits a pattern of doubt creation can be valuable tools. Industry insiders emphasize that combating disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach, including systemic changes in how information is disseminated and regulated. Social media platforms must take responsibility for curbing the spread of harmful content. Companies like Twitter and Facebook, while making some efforts, have struggled to balance free speech with the imperative to protect users from disinformation. The University of Melbourne's Complex Human Data Hub, directed by the author of this piece, continues to research and develop strategies to address these challenges. Awareness and critical thinking are essential, but they must be supported by structural changes to truly mitigate the impact of disinformation campaigns.